Hazardous Material Incident (Sulfuric Acid) – Presentation

Sulfuric Acid Incident Summary

US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigated two sulfuric acid incidents Tesoro Martinez refineryIncident 1 occurred on February 12, 2014 Involved a mechanical integrity failure from a temporary holding alkylation unit that released sulfuric acid injuring two workersIncident 2 occurred on March 10, 2014Two employees were disconnecting piping in the same temporary holding unit and were sprayed with sulfuric acid and burned during the operation

Identification of Information

Hazardous Material (Sulfuric Acid) DescriptionIs a Mineral acid, its chemical formula is H2SO4 Is odorless, colorless, oily liquid and has a density two times that of waterSpent or impure sulfuric acid has the a coloration of brown to blackIndustrial grade can be clear to brownish colored liquidHazard ClassSulfuric Acid is noted as a corrosive substance or a hazard class 8

Labels, Markings, and Placards DOT require

DOT requires shippers to provide relevant shipping descriptions on the accompanying paperwork DOT regulates four forms of sulfuric acid for transportationSulfuric acid containing less than 51% requires – UN2796, Sulfuric acid, 8 PG IISulfuric acid containing more than 51% requires – UN1830, Sulfuric acid, 8 PG IISulfuric acid spent – UN1832, Sulfuric acid, spent, 8 PG IISulfuric acid fuming – UN1831, Sulfuric acid, fuming, 8 PG ISulfuric acid fuming – UN1831, Sulfuric acid, fuming, 8, (6.1), PG I

Labels, Markings, and Placards DOT require cont’d

DOT requires shippers to display one or more warning placardsDOT requires shippers to identify with markings on each side and the front and back of containersDOT requires shippers to display warning labels on the outside of containers

Sulfuric Acid workplace exposure concentrations

OSHA requires employers to limit exposure to sulfuric acid vapors concentrations of 1 milligram/cubic meter averaged over an 8-hour workday, (Myer, 2014)Exposure routes are inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactExposure symptoms can be irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema, bronchitis; emphysema; conjunctivitis; stomatis; dental erosion; eye, skin burns; dermatitisIn the case of these incidents sulfuric acid was released from the alkylation unit injuring two workers, (CSB, 2016)

Emergency Response Elements

Different steps need to be taken depending on the incident and the type of response for a sulfuric acid accidentFirst Aid measures need to be taken in the case of inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestionInhalation – untighten restrictive clothing, move to fresh air environment, give artificial respirator or oxygen if neededSkin contact – rinse exposed skin using soapy water for 20 minutesEye contact –gently flush eyes for 20 minutesIngestion – rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce regurgitation For all the above seek medical assistance if irritation persists

Elements of Emergency Response cont’d

Different steps need to be taken depending on the incident and the type of response for a sulfuric acid accidentFirst responder need toUse the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)Use suitable extinguishing agentsWear appropriate protective equipmentWear protective eyewear, gloves, clothing, and respiratory protection/breathing apparatusHave appropriate cordon equipment

Author’s Point Of View

After review of the incident report a argument can be made that these accidents were the cause of poor safety culture, the following are the primary reasons.The Tesoro Martinez refinery leadership is not using lessons learned from prior incidents dating back to 2010 to improve A lack of safety policies, training and enforcement or oversight led to complacency during operationsFailure to address reports of faulty/poor equipment led to these incidents

References

U.S. Chemical Safety Board. (2016, August 2). Tesoro Martinez Sulfuric Acid Spill. Retrieved from https://www.csb.gov/tesoro-martinez-sulfuric-acid- spill/Meyer, E. (2014). Chemistry of hazardous materials (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.Image 1. DOT Corrisive Placard. Retrieved from http://ian- albert.com/hazmat_placards/Image 2. Sulfuric Acid diamond. Retrieved from https://uwm.edu/safety- health/chemrtk/

References cont’d

Image 3. GHS05: Corrosion. Retrieved from https://www.reach-compliance.ch/ghsclp/ghspictograms/Image 4. GHS06: Skull and crossbones. Retrieved from https://www.reach-compliance.ch/ghsclp/ghspictogramsImage 5. GHS08: Health hazard. Retrieved from https://www.reach-compliance.ch/ghsclp/ghspictogramsImage 6. Class 6.1 Toxic substances . Retrieved from https://www.reach-compliance.ch/ghsclp/ghspictograms