BSEE: Unsafe chemical use and disposal

During the disposal of expired paint products, a worker mixed epoxy resin and solidifier in a container. In a second container, Carboline epoxy paint A & B components were mixed. Finally, the two containers were mixed into a five gallon bucket and placed in a paint locker. Five minutes later, the worker noticed smoke coming from the locker. The worker placed the bucket into a larger container filled with water and left. Twenty minutes later, the worker’s supervisor noticed white smoke coming from the container, and called the control room. A fire alarm muster was called. The worker added more water to the container enroute to his muster station but the smoking did not stop until later when the mixture was covered with fire retardant powder.

An operator noticed a cotton cloth rag smouldering inside a wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow also contained filtration media and used paint that was curing before disposal. Water was used to put out the fire. The investigation determined that the cloth likely contained flammable Carboline thinner, which ignited as the cloth dried in direct sunlight. 

An employee attempted to clear a clogged drain in the living quarters with a proprietary drain cleaner (“Liquid Fire”, active ingredient: sulphuric acid). The employee then added additional drain cleaner on the mornings of the next two days without success. On the third day, the employee added chlorine bleach to attempt to unclog the drain. The bleach and drain cleaner reacted causing a small greenish yellow gas cloud to form. The employee inhaled a small amount of the gas and experienced a sudden shortness of breath. The employee was medevaced to a hospital for chest x-rays, supplemental oxygen, and breathing treatment and was later released.