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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 312429897 - Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power
Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office
Site Address:
Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power
13101 Sepulveda Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
Mailing Address:
1350 South Wall St., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Union Status: Union
SIC:4939
NAICS: 221111/Hydroelectric Power Generation
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: LocalGovt
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 04/14/2009
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 07/12/2010
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 102542883 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 3 | 5 | |||
| Current Violations | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $29,250 | $0 | $0 | $930 | $0 | $30,180 |
| Current Penalty | $9,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,495 | $0 | $10,495 |
| 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 | Other | 3203 A02 | 04/17/2009 | 05/05/2009 | $0 | $185 | $0 | 05/15/2009 | J - ALJ Decision | Citation has been deleted. |
| 2. | 01002 | Other | 3329 D | 04/17/2009 | 05/05/2009 | $560 | $560 | $0 | 05/15/2009 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 3. | 01003 | Other | 5192 Q06 C | 04/17/2009 | 05/05/2009 | $185 | $185 | $0 | 05/15/2009 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 4. | 02001 | Other | 3203 A06 B | 04/17/2009 | 05/05/2009 | $750 | $6,750 | $0 | 05/15/2009 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 5. | 03001 | Serious | 5192 Q03 D | 04/17/2009 | 04/27/2009 | $9,000 | $22,500 | $0 | 05/15/2009 | J - ALJ Decision |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 20, 2008, Employee #1, a water treatment operator trainee, was exposed to fluorosilicic acid (FSA) during a spilled acid containment process. On the day of the accident, Employee #1's coworker, a water treatment operator, while attempting to correct a small leak, discovered an acid transfer from a rail car to a bulk storage container. He cut off the zip tie and disengaged cam locks without depressurizing the system, which was under pressure of 30-35 psi. The action led to uncontrolled acid discharge, where 2,700 gallons of FSA was geysered out of the rail car carrying 90 tons of FSA. Employee #1 responded to the spill and was performing containment work without a respiratory protection, such as self contained breathing apparatus. Employee #1 was exposed to FSA vapors and mists and was transported to the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. He was hospitalized for four days. The investigation concluded that the injury was a result of Employee #1's entry into an area, where the concentration of the contaminant was unknown, and lack of protection from inhalation hazards.
Keywords: LEAK, LUNG, ASPHYXIATED, INHALATION, STORAGE TANK, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SPILL, CHEMICAL VAPOR, CHEMICAL, RESPIRATOR
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 312429897 | Hospitalized injury | Asphyxia | Water and sewage treatment plant operators |