OSHA Inspection: INNOVATIVE CHEMICAL CORPORATION

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $800 Reduced

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 are free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to chemical burns from acid splashes:
a) Mixing area - On or about 10/1/98, an employee was making HO-68 and was
using
an Ingersoll-Rand/ARO Corporation 1/2 inch diaphragm pump transferring 70
hydrofluoric acid from a 55 gallon drum into tank MO-13.  The pump suction
and
discharge hoses consisted of Clearflo PVC tubing with PVC fittings
attached to the
tubing by stainless steel clamps.  The pump discharge line came apart at
the PVC
connection and 70hydrofluoric acid splashed the employee on the ear,
face, scalp, and
legs.  Another employee turned off the pump and was splashed on the face
and arm with
70hydrofluoric acid.  These employees received first and/or second
degree chemical
burns.  The diaphragm pump, Clearflo PVC tubing, and PVC fittings were not
appropriate for use with 70hydrofluoric acid.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO
CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO:
1) Use a pump, tubing, and fittings that are compatible when transferring
concentrated
(70) hydrofluoric acid based upon the manufacturers' recommendations.
NO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREDATION

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $800 Reduced

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $800 Reduced

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $10,000 · Current $8,100 Reduced

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $10,000

Issued

Jan 7, 1999

Abate by

Jan 11, 1999