Two workers were killed while cleaning rail cars and were exposed to a dangerous amount of hydrogen sulfide gas. The primary cause of death of both employees was closed space asphyxiation and hydrogen sulfide intoxication, a byproduct of the residual organic waste contained in the tank. OSHA determined that neither victim was equipped with an emergency retrieval system before they entered the car. As a result, the liquid animal feed manufacturer has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Facility also failed to:
- complete a permit-required confined spaces entry permit
- use testing and monitoring equipment to evaluate the permit space condition prior to entry; and
- require employees to use rescue and emergency equipment.
OSHA also found the company failed to:
- designate trained rescue employees
- use a retrieval system attached to the worker to aid in rescue
- train workers and place warning signs about hazards that may be encountered in confined spaces; and
- ensure rail tank cars had been ventilated prior to entry
OSHA has proposed fines totaling $266,000. Here is a breakdown of the citations:
