Corrosive Burns Kill

A manager in a paper plant was draining a tank filled with wood pulp treated with chlorine dioxide, a corrosive material. During the process, some of the chlorine dioxide spilled. He tripped and fell into the spilled liquid. Multiple burns from contact with the liquid caused his death.

Another worker suffered burns on his chest and a third had burns on his legs as a result of the spill. Both were treated at a hospital and survived.

The large amounts and strong concentrations of chemicals used in many industrial processes can kill or injure quickly through skin contact, breathing or swallowing. If you work around substances such as these, know how to protect yourself with safe work procedures, protective gear and emergency preparedness.