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<td><a href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/index.jsf?function=view&lessonId=796">Acid Spill in the Radioanalytical Chemistry Lab - Idaho National Laboratory</a></td>
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Statement of Lessons Learned</h2>
<pre>For a copy of the original report, see Attachments on Lessons Learned page.
Before an extended leave of absence and upon return of a worker, a thorough activities review needs to take place.
Alternative methods, or additional controls, should be utilized when there is a potential for equipment or material to be used outside the manufactures recommendations. </pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Discussion of Activities</h2>
<pre>On February 19, 2014 a substitute researcher was in the process of compositing chemical samples into a single container for neutralization prior to disposal. Samples were poured into a plastic wide-mouth bottle. Empty tubes and containers were then placed in a plastic bag with sorbent for disposal to the RAD trash.
When the sample composite steps were complete, there was about 800 ml of liquid for neutralization. Some pH indicator solution was added to a small amount of 50% sodium hydroxide solution. This was then added to the container. When the last of this solution was added, the pH of the 800 ml container was basic. There was 50 ml of nitric acid stored in a centrifuge tube with a plug seal available to bring the solution back to neutral.
The researcher grasped the tube in his right hand and began to open it with his left. As torque was applied the researcher felt something like a grating of the lid, followed immediately by the disintegration of the tube in his hand. His hand then closed, directing the tube contents (approximately 25-30 mls) back out of the hood on to him.
The researcher immediately felt a burning sensation on his chest and neck. He stripped the vet gloves and nitrile gloves off while proceeding to the eye wash / safety shower, about 8-10 feet away. He began flushing his face, neck, head and chest in the wash. After 2 or 3 minutes, he paused to call for assistance and requested RAD CON to come to the lab. He then continued to flush his face and chest. The backup LSC came to the lab to verify that the researcher was okay and check the list of notifications that were needed.
After about 4 minutes the researcher stopped rinsing to leave a message with his Department Manager. He was then surveyed by RAD CON personnel. After donning a new (clean) lab coat, the researcher removed his boots, socks and jeans and went to the restroom with the EMTs to further asses his condition. He was provided with some medical scrubs and walked to the ambulance where he was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
His burns were classified as 1st to 2nd degree. He was given burn ointment and released to go home with orders to return to the medical facility in the morning for further evaluation.</pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Analysis</h2>
<pre>Polypropylene centrifuge tubes were used routinely in the laboratories for temporary storage of corrosive liquids. However, the unanticipated absence of the researcher who typically worked in the lab, resulted in the tube being exposed to concentrated nitric acid (>30%) for a prolonged period. </pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Recommended Actions</h2>
<pre>Below are the consequences of the above event. They are provided for information and discussion purposes only.
• Injured researcher was transported to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
• Acid, spilled on the floor and inside the fume hood, was neutralized and disposed of via waste generator services.
• Lab/ Management directed all use of polypropylene containers, with concentrated (>30%) nitric acid, cease and to only use polyethylene for such applications.</pre>
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<h2>Comments</h2>
<h5 style="white-space:nowrap">2/27/2014 3:02:26 PM by Bailey, Mary Jo</h5>
<pre>Submitted to those current in •SAF129: R&D Chem Room Safety
•SAF137: Chem Room Safety Training</pre>
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<legend>Summary</legend>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Lesson ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">796</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Status:</td>
<td class="dataval">OK</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Doc ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">2014-JLAB-796</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Priority:</td>
<td class="dataval">Info</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Safety Related:</td>
<td class="dataval">YES</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Originator:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Issued:</td>
<td class="dataval">2/27/2014 2:50:46 PM</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved By:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved On:</td>
<td class="dataval">2/27/2014 3:02:26 PM</td>
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<td class="label">Source:</td>
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OTHER
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<td class="label" nowrap>Location:</td>
<td class="dataval">INL</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Cost Savings:</td>
<td class="dataval"></td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Contact:</td>
<td class="dataval">Earl G. Johnson, Laboratory Operations (208) 526-6964</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Queued Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Sent Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Viewings:</td>
<td class="dataval">3 times</td>
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<legend>Attachments</legend>
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<legend>Hazard Issues</legend>
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<li>Chemicals</li>
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<legend>Skills</legend>
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<li>SAF129: R&D Chem Room Safety</li>
<li>SAF137: Chem Room Safety</li>
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<legend>Distribution/Notification</legend>
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<li>*Division Safety Officers (DSOs)</li>
<li>*Safety Wardens</li>
<li>*DOE Notification</li>
<li>*ESH&Q Liaisons</li>
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