Man Dies after Workplace Accident at Memphis Valero Plant
An oil refinery worker has died after being exposed to propane and hydrofluoric acid at a Valero plant in South Memphis.
The Tennessee workplace accident happened at 9:20 a.m. on Monday, December 10.Two workers at Vakero’s alkylation unit were injured when a sight glass on a pump ruptured exposing the workers to a mixture of propane and hydrofluoric acid. The workers and two firefighters who were exposed to the chemicals were taken to Regional Medical Center at Memphis. One man died.
Hydrofluoric acid is used in oil refineries in a process called alkylation. It is part of the process of upgrading petroleum products. Hydrofluoric acid is extremely corrosive and is easily absorbed by the skin and eyes. Once it enters the body, it interacts with calcium and can interfere with nerve function and may eventually cause cardiac arrest.
According to the Valero Energy Corporation, there was no explosion or fire and the accident did not affect the safety of other workers or impact production at the plant. The incident is being blamed on equipment failure and is under investigation.
A sight glass is a transparent tube or window that allows workers to monitor fluid levels within a tank, pipe, pump or boiler.
This is the second major workplace accident at Valero this year. In March, three contract workers were seriously injured when a fire broke out at the plant. One of the workers, Nicolas Cuevas, died from his injuries. The victim’s family is filing a Tennessee wrongful death lawsuit against the company.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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