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.
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.