Document dG5x9Jx5aa8XDwNegK27Zq4q

1976 OSHA - Federal Pedrlcktown NOC 14074 A Tr G* 3*' 4-i me9 8/4/76 The attached "emergency situation" notification was sent to OSHA on 7/16/76. W.T. Gunning L.A. Bennett M. Lukity J.R. Render D.E. Giffin A.H. Sather E.L. Beeler T.R. Linak E.C. Martinelli H.G. Miller D.L. Cross - - - - - - - ALGC ALTC Brecksville Calvert City Henry Louisville Long Beach Cl eveland Cleveland Pedricktown Pedricktown Pedricktown Dennis P. O'Keefe Pedricktown Plant NGC 14075 P. 0. BOX 400 B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company * DIVISION or THC I. F. GOOOfllCH COMPANY PEORICKTOWN. NEW JERSEY 08067 July l6, 1976 Hr* Harry D. Allendorf, Area Director U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Camden Operations Office 519 Federal Street, Suite 408 Camden, New Jersey 08101 Dear Sir: Confirming our telephone notification of 7/8/76, and pursuant to the requirements of 29 C.F.R. 1910.1017 (N) (2), the B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company, P.O. Box 400, Pedricktown, New Jersey, 08067, is reporting the occurrence of a large release of vinyl chloride. At approximately 1430 hours on 7/7/76, over-pressurization of the vinyl chloride recovery system in one Regulated Area resulted in the release of a large quantity of vinyl chloride to the atmosphere from roof and ground levels* The source of over-pressurization was determined to be from a high pressure (2G0psi) water pump. It has not been ascertained, just how this water got into the recovery system* The release was brought under control at 1450 hours. During the twenty minutes that the .release was occurring, the wind was from a southerly direction at a variable speed of 0-3 MPH. Under these conditions, the vinyl chloride cloud did not readily dissipate. Three occupied buildings were in the path of the release; (1) Laboratory, (2) Personnel/Change House, and (3) Administration. In addition to employees in these buildings, other plant employees were in the path of the release when it occurred or passed through it during their evacuation. The total number of employees exposed is estimated at 68. Exposure concentrations and durations vary considerably. Total hydrocarbons as determined by a portable Century System Organic Vapor Analyzer were measured at 100-200 ppm in each of the three buildings downwind of the release. These buildings were evacuated in a 3-10 minute period as exposure potentials were identified by portable monitoring equipment. All personnel in these buildings moved to positions out of the release flow. Other employees evacuated to safe areas within 2-3 minutes of the release. Personnel dealing with the emergency utilized supplied air respirators and Scott Air Paks. NGC 14076 (continued:) There were no reports of adverse effects as a result of this exposure. All exposure facts are being provided to the plant physician for his medical disposition. Steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of this situation: (1) Although the exact cause of this situation has not been determined, some evidence points to a water flush valve to the recovered vinyl chloride system. This tie-in will be modified with a physical disconnect valve and blank arrangement. (2) Effectiveness of emergency procedures are being reviewed in light of this situation. Any improvements resulting from this review will be in corporated into our emergency procedures. If additional information is needed, please contact me. DPOK/re Yours very truly, The B.F. Goodrich Company Dennis P. O'Keefe, Vinyl-OSHA Coordinator ^QC 14077