Source:
WorkSafe WA.
Two workers
were
transferring
chromic acid
solution from
an intermediate
bulk container
(IBC) to
another vessel
using a
submersible
sump pump.
While the pump
was running,
the outlet hose
came off and
sprayed chromic
acid at high
pressure over
the two
workers. The
chromic acid
ran into the
workers' eyes
and
(particularly
as one of them
was wearing
contact lenses)
there was the
potential for
serious eye
injuries.
Contributing
factors
-
The
hose
was not
adequately
secured
to the
pump
outlet.
-
The
workers
had no
experience
in the
use of
the
pump
and
were
not
adequately
trained
in how
to
safely
use the
pump.
In
particular
they
were
not
trained
in how
to
correctly
secure
the
hose to
the
pump
outlet.
-
The
workers
were
not
adequately
supervised.
-
The
workplace
did not
have
safe
working
procedures
/ safe
systems
of work
for
transferring
hazardous
chemicals.
-
The
workers
were
not
supplied
with
the
correct
personal
protective
equipment
(PPE)
for
conducting
the
task.
-
The
workplace
did not
have
adequate
emergency
procedures
for
dealing
with
worker
exposure
to
hazardous
chemicals.
The
workplace
did not
have a
Material
Safety
Data
Sheet
(MSDS)
for the
chromic
acid
solution
to
which
the
employees
were
exposed.
Action
required
-
Ensure
safe
systems
of work
(documented
procedures)
are in
place
for
transferring
hazardous
chemicals
at
workplaces.
The
procedures
should
specify
how to
correctly
select,
prepare,
operate,
clean
and
maintain
pumping
equipment,
as well
as
specify
the
correct
PPE and
any
other
controls
required.
-
Ensure
workers
are
adequately
trained
in the
safe
system
of
work.
-
Ensure
inexperienced
workers
are
adequately
supervised.
-
Develop
procedures
for
dealing
with
workplace
emergencies,
including
exposure
to
hazardous
chemicals.
Ensure
workers
are
trained
in the
procedures,
and the
procedures
are
practiced
at
regular
intervals.
-
Ensure
that
adequate
information
(eg
MSDS or
equivalent)
is
available
at the
workplace
for
solutions
or
process
liquors
that
contain
hazardous
chemicals
to
which
workers
may be
exposed.
-
Consider
the use
of
specialised
chemical
pumps,
constructed
of
materials
compatible
with
the
hazardous
substances
transferred
at the
workplace.
Further
information
-
Checklist
for
chemicals
in the
workplace
-
Guidance
Note -
Controlling
Hazards
in the
Electroplating
Industry
-
Code of
Practice
-
First
Aid
Facilities
&
Services,
Workplace
Amenities
&
Facilities,
Personal
Protective
Clothing
and
Equipment
Further
controls may be
required for
pumping
dangerous
goods. For
information
regarding
dangerous
goods, contact
the Department
of Mines and
Petroleum,
www.dmp.wa.gov.au.
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