A Chemist Dies from Burns Caused by Mixing Chemicals

SUMMARY

A 56-year-old chemist received fatal chemical burns from mist released after he mixed sodium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide. The victim was refilling a container of hydrogen peroxide with the incorrect chemical (sodium hydroxide) using a non-standard transfer procedure. The victim was not wearing any form of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employer did not have a safety and training program to address hazardous chemical handling, storage and use.

A Chemist Dies from Burns Caused by Mixing Chemicals [PDF 266 KB]