Serious Chemical Burns Resulting from Negligent Chemical Handling

Case Overview

This case involves an individual who sustained severe chemical burns while delivering bread to a hotel. On the loading dock, the individual inadvertently stepped in puddles containing caustic potash, leading to significant injuries. The plaintiff alleges that the cleaning company displayed negligence by failing to properly manage and secure hazardous chemicals, resulting in an unsafe environment. The incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to industry standards and best practices for chemical safety, especially concerning hazardous substances like potassium hydroxide.

Questions to the Chemical Engineering expert and their responses

Please describe your experience with chemical safety, specifically potassium hydroxide, if applicable.

I have BS, MEng, and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering. I run a university research lab and work with hazardous chemicals, including safety plans, cleanup, and appropriate use. Potassium hydroxide is used in many strong cleaners, but it is a dangerous chemical, especially when undiluted.

Briefly, what industry standards and best practices exist for handling and disposing of chemicals such as potassium hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide can be rinsed with large quantities of water into the drain, but the specific recommendations for handling will be listed on the product. There are best practices in the industrial cleaning industry and product guidelines for this type of work. Worker training, correct labeling, and hazard warnings are all important to maintain workplace safety.

About the expert

This expert has over 15 years of experience in the field of chemical engineering. He earned his BS in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University and his MEng and PhD in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Sandia National Laboratories. He is active in his field as a member of multiple academic societies including the American Chemical Society, the Materials Research Society, and the Electrochemical Society. He has been awarded nine patents, is the author of over 175 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and has presented nationally and internationally on topics in his field. Previously, he served as an associate professor and associate director in the department of materials science and engineering. In addition, he was the co-director of the Center for Innovative Materials Processing 3-D and a professor of chemistry and engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Currently, this expert serves as an adjunct professor of materials science and engineering at a university in Pennsylvania and is an endowed professor of chemical engineering and material science at a university in Michigan.

E-360190

Specialties:

Chemical Engineering