Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Electroplater and Four Co-Workers Die from Asphyxiation in Metal Plating Vat, June 28, 1988

摘要

The case of a 25-year-old male electroplater and four coworkers who died after entering a metal plating vat being cleaned was examined. The victim was employed by an electroplating company that had no written safety program, no emergency procedures, no ongoing safety training, and no confined space safe entry procedure. In a cleaning procedure that had not been tried before, the victim pumped muriatic-acid solution into the zinc-cyanide holding tank. The tank had not been tested nor ventilated before entry. Hydrogen-cyanide gas overcame the victim shortly after entering the tank. Four coworkers entered the tank and were overcome. By this time most others could not even get close to the holding tank due to the fumes. Police and firefighters who responded were initially unaware that hydrogen-cyanide was involved; four police officers, 13 firefighters, and a medical examiner required medical treatment. Twelve additional company workers also required treatment. It is recommended that the company develop and implement a written safety and training program, a procedure for confined space entry, and a comprehensive respirator program. Personnel responsible for emergency rescue should be trained in confined space rescue and hazardous material emergencies.