Second worker dies after chemical spill at Maine paper mill
A second worker has died from injuries suffered in a reported gas incident at Woodland Pulp paper mill in Baileyville, Maine, United States, on 27 January.
The worker’s identity has not been released though the mill confirmed he was an employee of the facility, WABI-TV reports.
The incident had previously resulted in the death of Kasie Malcolm, a 20-year-old chemical engineering student at the University of Maine who had been conducting an internship at the facility since June.
According to information submitted by the company to the federal Chemical Safety Board, which is now conducting an investigation, the incident may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulphuric acid with sulphurous compounds in an enclosed process sewer. This is said to have resulted in the generation and release of hydrogen sulphide, a highly toxic gas, in the bleach plant area of the facility.
The board’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the release, including the company’s chemical handling practices, process safety systems and emergency response actions.
The board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organisations, labour groups and regulatory agencies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency.
