Another 150-pound Cl2 Cylinder “line break gone bad” event

In the retort area of the cannery, Employee #2 watched as Employee #1 took a 150-pound chlorine cylinder out of service. Employee #1 failed to follow posted instructions to ensure that the cylinder valve was fully closed. When the vacuum regulator was removed, chlorine gas began escaping. Employees #1 and #2 left the area. Employee #1 donned an SCBA and returned to close the valve. It appears that the SCBA was worn in the DEMAND MODE, with employee #1 wearing eyeglasses that interfered with the face seal. Chlorine gas entered the facepiece. Employee #1 tried to hold his breath and close the valve. Minutes later, he was found by Employee #2 lying on the ground outside, gasping for breath. Employee #1 was hospitalized for three (3) days.

Violation Summary
Violations/Penalties Serious Willful Repeat Other Total
Initial Violations 2     5 7
Current Violations 2     5 7
Initial Penalty $560 $0 $0 $560 $1,120
Current Penalty $560 $0 $0 $560 $1,120

 

Violation Items
# Citation ID Citaton Type Standard Issuance Date Abatement Due Date Current Penalty Initial Penalty Contest
1. 01001 Serious 40101 A01 01/08/1988 01/11/1988 $280 $280  
2. 02001A Serious 10403 E03 01/08/1988 01/14/1988 $280 $280  
3. 02001B Serious 10403 E03 B 01/08/1988 01/11/1988 $0 $0  
4. 02001C Serious 10403 E05 A 01/08/1988 01/14/1988 $0 $0  
5. 02001D Serious 10403 E04 01/08/1988 01/14/1988 $0 $0  
6. 03001 Other 10403 F02 B 01/08/1988 01/14/1988 $0 $0  
7. 03002 Other 150101 E02 01/08/1988 02/08/1988 $0 $0  
8. 03003 Other 150101 G01 01/08/1988 02/08/1988 $0 $0  
9. 03004 Other 150101 I01 01/08/1988 02/08/1988 $280 $280  
10. 03005 Other 18006058 A 01/19/1988 01/22/1988 $280 $280  

 

Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=103657078

 

 

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