STARBURST/SUMMER 2000 12 Since program inception in 1994, six sites have achieved DOE-VPP recognition. Honeywell Kansas City, Missouri Weldon Spring St. Charles, Misso WSI-SR Aiken, South Carolina WVDP West Valley, New York WIPP Carlsbad, New Mexico WSRC Aiken, South Carolina Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies WIPP Westinghouse Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Weldon Spring Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project WSI-SR Wackenhut Services, Inc. Savannah River WSRC Westinghouse Savannah River Company WVDP West Valley Nuclear Services at West Valley Demonstration Project MERIT STAR HAMBURG TRAIL DOE-VPP Sites Safety Alert on Cleaning Grills A serious and potentially critical safety incident occured as a result of a commonly used grill cleaning tool.  A strand of wire from a wire brush used to clean a grill had been left on the cooking surface and stuck to one of the hamburgers that was being grilled.  Consequently, the child that took the potentially life threatening bite of this hamburger required serious medical care.  The fine wire initially lay across her esophagus below the epiglottis and was going to require a 20 minute surgical procedure.  However, the wire disappeared and through various specialists and a six hour procedure the wire that had pushed through the esophagus in several locations and caused bleeding around the esophagus was located and removed. Lessons Learned: 1. If you use a wire brush to clean your grill make sure you: a.  Wipe the grill off with a cloth, paper towel or something else before using it b.  Inspect the underside of the lid to make sure that no strands of wire are stuck to the underside of the lid. 2. Best practice is not to use a wire brush for cleaning.  Some individuals use a paint scraper or putty knife to clean the grill. 3. Don’t take it upon yourself to transport anyone who is in need of, or whom you suspect is in need of, serious medical care.  In this case, had the wire been lodged above her epiglottis and dislodged, the girl could have inhaled the wire into her lung and caused a potentially life threatening situation.  Also, if the wire, while in her neck, had pierced her carotid artery this would have posed a different life threatening situation, each calling for immediate medical attention. Rule of thumb: in medical emergencies, get medical help immediately. | Front Page | Go Back |