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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 311876650 - The Electric Materials Company
Inspection Information - Office: Erie Area Office
Site Address:
The Electric Materials Company
50 South Washington Street
North East, PA 16428
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 390, North East, PA 16428
Union Status: Union
SIC:3613
NAICS: 335313/Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing
Inspection Type: Referral
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 07/23/2010
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 09/10/2010
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral | 200387355 | Yes |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $13,200 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $13,200 |
| Current Penalty | $10,560 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,560 |
| 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 | Serious | 19100037 B04 | 08/12/2010 | 09/10/2010 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100120 Q02 I | 08/12/2010 | 08/31/2010 | $4,480 | $5,600 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100120 Q06 | 08/12/2010 | 08/31/2010 | $4,480 | $5,600 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 8, 2010, Employee #1 was transferring Bright-Dip Acid solution from a two-piece drum to a one-piece drum using an electric pump. A reaction occurred as the hazardous substance began to pour into the one-piece drum and the liquid began to spew from the drums creating an orange chemical cloud. Employee #1 asked the supervisor to unplug the pump to stop the release of the liquid. Then, Employee #1 attempted to contain and clean the hazardous substance, while a coworker opened a garage door to "air" out the chemical cloud. The chemical cloud traveled up the hallway to other departments in the building, exposing all employees to the hazardous substance release. An announcement was then made for all employees to evacuate the building. The local fire department and HAZMAT team were called to the site to help contain and clean the hazardous substance. A total of twenty employees were taken to local hospitals, St. Vincent Health Center and Hamot Hospital, for decontamination and observation. Employee #1 was working in the Plating Department was treated and held for approximately one week due to chemical burns to his respiratory system.
Keywords: RESPIRATORY, DRUM, ELECTRIC PUMP, CHEMICAL BURN, CHEMICAL REACTION, CHEMICAL VAPOR
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 311876650 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Metal plating machine operators |