Hazard communication involving chemicals in our facilities can not be taken for granted. There are numerous occasions where our employees or outside contractor employees working with hazardous chemicals in our facilities. On rare occasions those hazardous chemicals either injure or kill those who are working with them. Here is a story that reinforces the need for safety when working with hazardous chemicals.
Five employees of an alumina company in the United States suffered chemical-related injuries while cleaning a piece of equipment during the week of September 8, 2013.
Five employees of an alumina company in the United States suffered chemical-related injuries while cleaning a piece of equipment during the week of September 8, 2013.
Two of the employees suffered chemical burns and were transported by helicopter to a hospital 120 miles away. A third employee was treated and released at a local hospital.
Two additional employees suffered minor injuries and were treated at the plant. The company spokesperson said there was no fire, or explosion attached to the incident and said it was an isolated event to the digestion area of the plant. No other employees were injured, the spokesperson said.
The Mine & Safety Administration was notified. The spokesperson refused to release any additional information about the incident, including names, ages, and sex of the injured, or the hospitals to which the employees were transported. The spokesperson was not aware of which law enforcement agencies responded to the emergency call.
"Our employees' health and recovery is our primary focus at this time. We have no additional comment at this time - we respect their right to privacy," spokesperson wrote in an email. The local county sheriff did not immediately return phone calls. Local police chief said his department did not respond to the incident at the alumina plant. Local fire department firefighter said he wasn't aware of an incident at the alumina plant.
Two of five alumina employees burned by chemical while cleaning a piece of equipment remain in the burn center at a hospital 120 miles away from the plant.
A hospital representative said the two injured were still receiving treatment for their injuries, which occurred... in what a company spokesperson called "digetion" area of the plant.
Ages were not available, but patient 1 is thought to be in his late 30s, and patient 2 is thought to be in his 50s.
Another employee was transported by ambulance from the alumina plant to a hospital 35 miles away. The injured employee was treated and released.
Two other employees suffered minor injuries and were treated at the plant, said plant spokesperson. A spokesperson of the Mine & Safety Administration, said they were notified of the accident, and are conducting an investigation. The spokesperson explained that four employees and a supervisor were doing cleanup work "when a caustic liquid sprayed them."
The director of the local emergency medical services (ems), said two ambulances were sent to the scene to assist the injured. Patient 1 was airlifted from the scene, and director of the ems said because the local emergency air ambulance was occupied, the ems crew waited about 40 minutes for an additional helicopter to fly the 120 miles to the alumina plant.
UPDATE
The ASPB only posts incidents that are found in the media. Currently there is a back log of incidents to post. By the time this post was ready, an update on the workers was available in the media. The APSB hopes that all of the injured workers recover fully.
Two of five alumina employees burned by chemical while cleaning a piece of equipment remain in the burn center at a hospital 120 miles away from the plant.
A hospital representative said the two injured were still receiving treatment for their injuries, which occurred... in what a company spokesperson called "digetion" area of the plant.
Ages were not available, but patient 1 is thought to be in his late 30s, and patient 2 is thought to be in his 50s.
Another employee was transported by ambulance from the alumina plant to a hospital 35 miles away. The injured employee was treated and released.
Two other employees suffered minor injuries and were treated at the plant, said plant spokesperson. A spokesperson of the Mine & Safety Administration, said they were notified of the accident, and are conducting an investigation. The spokesperson explained that four employees and a supervisor were doing cleanup work "when a caustic liquid sprayed them."
The director of the local emergency medical services (ems), said two ambulances were sent to the scene to assist the injured. Patient 1 was airlifted from the scene, and director of the ems said because the local emergency air ambulance was occupied, the ems crew waited about 40 minutes for an additional helicopter to fly the 120 miles to the alumina plant.
Prior to using any chemical, it is recommended that the MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) be consulted prior to working with it.
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has some information on working with chemicals. It can be viewed here.
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