OSHA Inspection: RHONE POULENC, INC.

Issued

Oct 1, 1991

Abate by

Oct 4, 1991

Penalty

Initial $3,750 · Current $3,750

General-duty citation text

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 the hazards of being struck by metal fragments from
exploding piping which could inflict serious injuries or death:
a- A two inch diameter stainless steel receiver line exploded
on 6/12/91, when unreacted hydrogen peroxide from reactor #3
collected in the line and detonated.  This occurred after
changes were made in the bleacching procedure and the employer
fauled to insure that all hydrogen peroxide was decomposed prior
to water stripping.
A feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to
correct this hazard is:
1- Re-evaluate the bleaching procedure for Miranol Ester PO-LM4
and ensure that hydrogen peroxide is decomposed prior to
applying vacuum to reactor.  Conduct in-depth review of the
procedure including process chemistry, hazardous properties
of hydrogen perocide and physical operations.
2- Conduct in-depth examination of chemical processes to uncover
unsuspected hazards that could lead to serious injury and
property damage.