Wednesday, April 22, 2015

MOSAIC FERTILIZER PLANT WORKER BURNED BY PHOSPHORIC ACID WHEN HE FELL INTO A TANK IN GIBSONTON, FLORIDA. OUCH!







APRIL 22, 2015

GIBSONTON, FLORIDA (WTSP)

A worker at the Riverview Mosaic plant (12839 Wyandotte Road, Gibsonton, FL) suffered severe burns over most of his body after he fell into a tank of phosphoric acid early Wednesday morning.

According to fire officials in Hillsborough County, the accident happened around 4:15 a.m. Sheriff's officials said the man was alert and talking when he was transported to the hospital. He suffers from thermal burns as the acid was about 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

Right now it is unclear what led to the accident. The worker was reportedly helping prepare the tank for maintenance when he fell into the 12x2 tank of acid. There were about 40 other workers around at the time. The victim had to be extracted from the tank. 

Initial reports indicated the burns were caused by sulfuric acid, but officials now tell 10 News it was phosphoric acid.


HAZARD SUMMARY

Phosphoric Acid can affect you when breathed in.
Phosphoric  Acid  is  a  CORROSIVE  CHEMICAL  and contact can irritate and burn the eyes.
Breathing Phosphoric Acid can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing and wheezing.
Long-term exposure to the liquid may cause drying and cracking of the skin.

IDENTIFICATION

Phosphoric Acid is a colorless, odorless solid or a thick, clear liquid.  It is used in rustproofing metal , fertilizers, detergents, foods, beverages, and water treatment.


Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures.  The following work practices are recommended:

Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Phosphoric Acid should change into clean clothing promptly.
Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed.
Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phosphoric Acid.
Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use.
If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided.
On skin contact with Phosphoric Acid, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Phosphoric Acid, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Phosphoric Acid is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet.
For solid Phosphoric Acid, use a vacuum to reduce dust during clean-up.  DO NOT DRY SWEEP.