Industry: Chemical Manufacturing · Country: Saudi Arabia · Date: 22 Jan 2026 · Incident type: injury
An operative was decanting caustic soda (sodium hydroxide 50% solution) from an IBC container into smaller drums. While connecting the transfer hose, a pressurised fitting failed unexpectedly, causing a significant splash of caustic soda to the operative's face and chest. The operative was wearing safety glasses but not a full face shield. He immediately activated the emergency eyewash station and was taken to the medical centre within 4 minutes.
An operative was decanting caustic soda (sodium hydroxide 50% solution) from an IBC container into smaller drums. While connecting the transfer hose, a pressurised fitting failed unexpectedly, causing a significant splash of caustic soda to the operative's face and chest. The operative was wearing safety glasses but not a full face shield. He immediately activated the emergency eyewash station and was taken to the medical centre within 4 minutes.
Pressurised hose fitting failure due to corrosion of the coupling threads. Inadequate PPE worn by the operative – safety glasses instead of a full face shield.
No formal inspection regime for chemical transfer hose fittings. PPE risk assessment did not mandate face shields for caustic transfers. Supervisor did not verify correct PPE prior to task commencement.
Injury type: Chemical burns to face and eyelids – minor, treated and released
1. All chemical transfer hose fittings to be inspected weekly and replaced on a 6-month schedule. 2. Full face shields are now mandatory for all caustic and acid transfer operations. 3. Pre-task PPE verification added to supervisor checklist. 4. Eyewash station locations and activation procedure re-communicated to all chemical handling staff.