Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by and burn hazards from runaway exothermic reactions and explosions resulting from the reaction of incompatible chemicals. a)On our about May 21, 2008, in the neutralization area, employees were exposed to severe burns and injuries from heat and pressure due to runaway exothermic chemical reaction and explosion as a result of the reaction of incompatible chemicals. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement is to conduct a safety review on all chemical reactions and establish a detailed cleaning procedure for equipment used in each completed batch run that includes verification of decontamination of all equipment.