Document mmkQxMymJVrXp7LB6dGVaMygJ

To OSHA VCM File A,h Interoffice Communication From: Date: Subject A. H. Sather November 21, 1985 NEW MODULE REACTOR RECOVERY LINE FAILURE Incident Summary A small crack-like failure occurred to the new module reactor recovery line at 1100 hours on 11/12/85 as recovery began on a 5305 batch In D-745 reactor. The failure occurred north of the D-743 recovery line connection point on the main header. The leaking VCM was immediately detected by plant employees performing insulation work in the area of the leak. The vapors in their work area were detected by smell. The three employees and two contract insulators immediately left the area. One of the employees notified an operations fire watch in the area. As he went no investigate the leak, he smelled VCM, shut down all hot work, cleared all personnel from the area, and obtained a Scott Air Pdck to determine the source of the leak. After he located tht leak, he notified the unit operator who notified the control room to shut off recovery of the reactor and depressure the line. Honeywell G.C. continuous monitor readings in downwind areas did not increase. Medic.: 1 surveillance was conducted within two hours for all six persons who smelled VCM. Cause of Leak The eak was caused by external corrosion (water saturated insulation caused rusting of the pipe wall). Conclusions Regarding OSHA Reportability The OSHA VCM Standard requires that any "emergency situation" be reported to the OSHA Area Director within twenty-four hours. Two requirements must be met for an incident to be regarded as an emergency situation. They are: An unforseeable massive release of vinyl chloride; and. Actual exposure to employees. VAB.0001178560 OSHA VCM File 11/21/85 New Module Reactor Recovery Line Failure Page 2 Conclusions Regarding OSHA Reportablllty - Continued In this case, a massive release of vinyl chloride did not occur but employees were exposed. Since both conditions must occur at the same time, this Incident was not regarded as an emergency situation. Personnel Given Medical Surveillance Vista Employees Lonnie Woods - Maintenance J. W. Lowe - Maintenance Leon Phillips - Maintenance Needham Stahl - Vinyl Contractors Jerald Jones - Insulation Sales Jeffrey Jones - Insulation Sales A. H. Sather rah cc: JF, JWW, DWH, CWT, JVU- A VAB.0001178561