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Batch Maker Dies after Toxic Exposure to Toluene Vapor
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2015/05/21
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Description:A 56-year-old male batch maker died after a toxic exposure to toluol (toluene) vapor at a manufacturing plant. The incident occurred on the top of a 6,000-gallon, above-ground storage tank which was located outside of the plant. On the day of the incident, the victim was using a wooden measuring stick to determine the remaining volume of toluene in the tank. After he opened the port on the top of the tank, he lowered the measuring stick into the tank. He reached down into the port to obtain a measurement (the stick was shorter than the depth of the tank) and was overcome with vapor. Coworkers found the victim shortly afterwards laying on the top of the tank and 9-1-1 was called. Emergency responders arrived at the site and transported the victim to the hospital, where he died shortly afterwards. The cause of death was determined to be toluene intoxication. Contributing Factors: 1. Measuring stick was shorter than depth of tank. 2. High daytime temperature (approximately 95oF). 3. Entry of permit required confined space NJ FACE investigators recommend that these safety guidelines be followed to prevent similar incidents: 1. A method to determine volume of product remaining in tank should be developed that does not put the worker at risk of exposure to volatile chemicals or confined space entry. 2. Extra care should be taken when working with any volatile chemicals under high-temperature conditions. 3. A safety and health plan based on a job hazard analysis should be developed by the employer and followed where workers are assigned tasks.
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NIOSHTIC Number:20047005
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2016-100687
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Citation:Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 13NJ059, 2015 May; :1-10
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Federal Fiscal Year:2015
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Performing Organization:New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
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Peer Reviewed:False
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Start Date:2005/07/01
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Source Full Name:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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End Date:2026/06/30
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