A bleeder valve was left open during transport truck anhydrous ammonia delivery, causing a large amount of ammonia to enter and violently rupture an aluminum caged plastic Intermediate bulk container (IBC or tote) filled with water. The IBC/Tote rupture released ammonia and the delivery driver suffered fatal injuries and other workers, including a facility employee, a responding deputy sheriff, and a railroad worker required treatment for ammonia exposure.
Employee #1 was approximately 15 minutes into the unloading process when the “bleeder tank” attached to the #1 bulk storage tank’s bulkhead, exploded; releasing ammonia.
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The employee was transported by local EMS to the hospital where he later succumbed to the exposure. Two other employees in the area were also exposed during the release.
Employee#2 was working at the shop, approximately 50 feet from the anhydrous plant. Employee #2 was exposed during evacuation as he walked into a vapor cloud.
Employee #3 was working on the railroad track next to the anhydrous plant and was exposed when the wind blew a vapor cloud in the direction of his work area.
Employees #2 and #3 were treated for anhydrous ammonia exposure at the hospital and released the same day.