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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 302615349 - Celanese Chemicals
Inspection Information - Office: Mobile Area Office
Site Address:
Celanese Chemicals
14086 Hwy. 43 North
Bucks, AL 36512
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 64, Bucks, AL 36512
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:2819
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 03/03/2000
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 04/27/2000
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 100450907 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Current Violations | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Unclass | 5A0001 | 03/03/2000 | 03/03/2000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | - | ||
| 2. | 01002 | Unclass | 5A0001 | 03/03/2000 | 03/03/2000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | - | ||
| 3. | 01003 | Unclass | 19100028 A01 | 03/03/2000 | 03/03/2000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | - | ||
| 4. | 01004 | Unclass | 19100120 Q08 I | 03/03/2000 | 03/03/2000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | - | ||
| 5. | 01005 | Unclass | 19101200 H03 II | 03/03/2000 | 03/03/2000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | - |
Investigation Summary
On September 4, 1999, there was an unplanned plant-wide power failure at the facility where Employees #1 and #2 worked. As a result, the #4 dryer at the plant's hydro unit started to decompose. Workers tried unsuccessfully to control the decomposition by flooding the dryer with water. Employees #1 and #2, both control room operators, entered the control room, apparently to reset some fans in anticipation of the power being turned back on. Assuming that the control room was a safe haven, they removed their SCBAs. When the power came back on, sulfur dioxide gases and some hydrogen sulfide entered the control room via the air conditioning and Purafil systems, whose duct works had holes. The two men were overcome by the fumes. Employee #1 died and Employee #2 was hospitalized. He could not speak and had lost control of his extremities, although he apparently understood what was going on and could nod yes and no.
Keywords: ASPHYXIATED, HYDROGEN SULFIDE, WORK RULES, INHALATION, SCBA, AIR CONTAMINATION, SULFUR DIOXIDE, CHEMICAL VAPOR, TOXIC FUMES, CHEMICAL
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 302615349 | Fatality | Asphyxia | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 302615349 | Hospitalized injury | Asphyxia | Occupation not reported |