A male worker died on November 15, 1984, after entering a toluene storage tank. During the rescue attempt, one fireman was killed, and several were injured when the tank exploded. A toluene storage tank (10 feet in diameter and 20 feet high) had to be drained and cleaned. While the tank was empty, the company planned to install a clean-out portal at the bottom of the tank. On the 15th, a supervisor and an unskilled laborer drained the tank to its lowest level, leaving 2 to 3 inches of toluene and sludge at the bottom. The only entry into the tank at this time was a 16-inch diameter opening at the top.
