OSHA Accident Investigation · Summary #816629
METALS TESTING CO.
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT·
Event description
Employee dies after spilling hydrofluoric acid
Investigation abstract
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on October 18, 1988, Employee #1, of a metal testing company, was transporting approximately 2.6 gallons of hydrofluoric acid in a 1 5 liter open pail. The employee intended to introduce the acid into a nitric/hyd rofluoric etch tank that was located about 86 feet from the outside storage area . Either the employee tripped and lost his balance or his leg may have collapsed due to lifelong cerebral palsy. When the acid splashed onto Employee #1's chest , throat, and face he inhaled the hydrofluoric acid fumes and died en route to H artford Hospital. Employee #1 was wearing work clothing, long rubber gloves, and street glasses while transporting the acid.
Victim
-
#1 Fatality Age 29 M
- Nature of injury
- 21
- Part of body
- 28
- Event type
- 8
- Source
- 9
- Occupation code
- 999
- Human factor
- 11
- Environmental factor
- 7
- Hazardous substance
- 1460
- Task assigned
- 1
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