OSHA Inspection: CHEM AQUA INC.

Issued

2022-02-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-12-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $7251.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0640

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(3)(iii):  Employee training shall include the measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used:   At the Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus work site located at 1506 S Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915 in the campus chiller plant; Chem Aqua Inc. did not ensure their employee was trained in the specific procedures employees must follow to protect them from hazards when transferring chemicals from drums to containers. On or about September 2, 2021, an employee reacted hydrochloric acid (9%) with bleach (12.5% sodium hypochlorite) when the employee pumped the hydrochloric acid from a 55-gallon drum into the 220-gallon short-term bleach storage tank. The reaction caused a release of chlorine gas in the chiller plant and into the facility and resulted in a hospitalization of the employee.