Gainsville, GA cryogenic N2 release results in multiple fatalities 8

[stookeyfpe]

As tragic as this incident was, it was a completely preventable incident. I haven't taken the time to research the GA Fire Code but I know the state adopts the ICC International Fire Code which has specific requirements for indoor use of LN2 (liquid nitrogen) based on various Compressed Gas Association standards, which are adopted by reference in the IFC.

https://www.csb.gov/csb-deploying-to-fatal-incident-at-poultry-plant-outside-of-atlanta-ga/

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-m...on-in-gainesville/6BIXXUI5WNEOPAJRIBYRWVVWRQ/

 

[FacEngrPE]

Quite frankly we were all untrained flunkies once. Some of us were able to learn under experts who were able to teach us what they learned from their mistakes. Hopefully we do not repeat them, there are plenty of new ones to learn from.

 

[dik]

I just thought it odd that there wasn't anyone in the bunch that was aware of the hazard... it was only when I took a course in confined space that I found out that you don't go back to get someone out... my first reaction...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[oldfieldguy]

While I don't run off fully into the 'untrained flunky' field, in the years I worked and supervised high voltage field service technicians I cautioned them about going into what I called 'soft industry' facilities - grain handling, small timber mills, gravel quarries, where the 'expertise' might be sparse, telling them to use extra caution and accept nothing without first examining and testing for themselves. Compared to a large refinery or petrochem plant with 1500 employees and its own engineering and technical staff, a podunk sawmill was not likely to have a very good handle on their hazards.

that said, 'lockout-tagout' is religion in most facilities today. One might well question the amount of effort that went into preparing the equipment for work to be performed. Cutting corners or 'we don't need to lock it out. This will only take a minute' is a good way to be a safety statistic.

Another good way is to blindly follow procedures written with a 'one size fits all' mentality, not understanding that each case needs to be evaluated separately as to hazards. By nature, repair work means working on things that are not working as they should. The careful consideration of the equipment, the problems, and the procedures needs to be done.

old field guy

 

[FacEngrPE]

Accident Description
Accident: Foundation Food Group Fatal Chemical Release
Location: Location: Gainesville , GA
Accident Occurred On: 01/28/2021
Accident Type: Release
Investigation Status: The CSB's investigation is currently underway.

https://www.csb.gov/foundation-food-group-fatal-chemical-release-/

This is the investigation home page. The CSB will be linking information to this page as they are ready to publish.

 

[FacEngrPE]

Third CSB Update on Poultry Plant Incident February 7, 2021

https://www.csb.gov/third-csb-update-on-poultry-plant-incident/

Not that much new information
The CSB is releasing the following new facts on the incident:

The LN units were manufactured and installed by Messer and are leased to the Foundation Food Group.
The Foundation Food Group performs routine maintenance on the Messer-owned equipment.
The plant had been experiencing unresolved operational issues on the chicken conveyor that appear to have resulted in the accidental release of liquid nitrogen in the flash freezing bath.
The CSB has information that Line No. 4 was shut down the morning of the incident. The shutdown was due to operational issues on the conveyor line.
Foundation Food Group maintenance personnel reported the computerized measuring system indicated a low liquid level in the immersion bath used to flash freeze the chicken products.

 

[JohnRBaker]

An update:

OSHA Issues $1 Million In Fines Over Deaths Of 6 Poultry Workers In Georgia

The agency said Foundation Food Group committed deadly safety lapses that led to the deadly liquid nitrogen leak in January.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/osha-fines-poultry-worker-deaths_n_60fae991e4b0d2a22d4af729

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-'Product Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

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