Chemical Exposures and Explosions Caused by Industrial Cleaning Solutions

Boston Chemical Exposure Lawyers Experienced in Investigating Injuries and Deaths Involving Cleaning Solutions

Improper use of cleaning solutions, independently or when combined with hazardous gases, can lead to chemical exposure, then serious injuries or death in industrial settings, workplaces and restaurants. These exposures can happen through inhalation, consumption or physical contact. Chemical fumes can build up in a confined space or there may be a chemical explosion.

Chemical exposure and poisoning should never happen. Companies have a responsibility to properly store cleaning agents such as “Super 8,” bleach, chlorine, ammonia and other hazardous materials. Employees must be properly trained on safe handling procedures.

Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston has decades of experience representing those injured and killed in chemical exposures, chemical accidents, gas explosions and construction accidents in Massachusetts. We have prevailed in cases against national corporations and utility providers, holding them accountable for negligent and reckless actions. If you suspect chemical poisoning in your loved one's death, it is critical to consult with a personal injury attorney to learn your legal rights.

If a victim survives a chemical exposure, you should act to protect their legal rights as well. Individuals may suffer severe skin burns, esophageal burns, respiratory illness and blindness, among other medical conditions. They may face life-long health complications and emotional distress is often severe for the victim and loved ones.

At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our attorneys can help you determine whether you have a potential claim and if so, identify your future medical and financial needs. We may be able to seek financial compensation on your behalf for past and future medical expenses; lost wages and future earnings as well as pain and suffering. There may also be additional damages we can pursue under Massachusetts law.

If you have been injured, contact Breakstone, White & Gluck at 800-379-1244 or use our contact form.

How Does a Chemical Exposure or Chemical Explosion Involving a Cleaning Solution Happen?

Chemical exposures can occur due to negligence in many settings, including the workplace, restaurants, labs, construction sites, hospitals and schools. They can also happen during freight truck accidents.

Cleaning chemicals can be dangerous on their own, but the risk for injury increases when they interact with other cleaning products, carbon monoxide, gasoline and other controlled substances.

• Restaurants
• Labs
• Office Buildings
• Construction Sites
• Liability in Chemical Cleaning Accidents, Exposure and Explosions

Cleaning Chemical Exposure in Restaurants

Restaurants use powerful industrial cleaners such as “Super 8” for general-purpose cleaning and dishwashing. Companies have a responsibility to safely store cleaning products and use according to safety guidelines. This means properly training employees and providing safety gear, such as eye protection, gloves and ventilation masks, so they do not injure themselves.

Restaurant chemical interactions can happen by inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces, when cleaners are used in high concentrations or when cleaning solutions are mixed. This is highly dangerous near ovens and other restaurant equipment.

But cleaning chemical accidents are not limited to kitchen areas. For instance, when beverage machines are not fully cleaned, a customer can be served a tainted beverage.

Cleaning Chemical Exposure in Laboratories

Labs work with hazardous substances and chemicals and have a responsibility to maintain safe chemical exposure levels - also known as permissible exposure limits (PELS). When they fail to do so and cleaning products are brought in, employees can suffer chemical inhalation or chemicals can explode.

OSHA sets permissible exposure levels for hundreds of substances, including carcinogens, toxins, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatoxins and other materials. Labs must regularly test exposure levels. When levels are consistently high, labs must test employees and pay for any medical treatment they require.

Companies are required under federal law to disclose unsafe chemical levels to employees and cover related medical bills. But employees may not always hear the full story. Sub-contractors, nearby residents and business owners may never receive warning, until there is a chemical explosion or safety incident.

Cleaning Chemical Exposure in Business Buildings

Cleaning solutions are used in every part of an office building, from the lobby to restrooms, cafeterias and work stations. Cleanings should be coordinated between the building management, business tenants and cleaning services. Use of industrial cleaners should be tracked and reported, so no one is exposed to an unsafe chemical combination.

Cleaning Chemical Exposure on Construction Sites

Chemical cleaners are used in close proximity to heavy machinery, gas tanks and utility connections on construction sites. Due to the serious risk of chemical exposure and explosions, this is a potential hazard which must be properly managed at all times.

Who is Liable in Cleaning Chemical Exposure Cases

Chemical exposures are the result of someone’s negligence or failure to follow safety regulations. They can also occur if a manufacturer distributes a tainted product which is used in cleaning or sterilization.

After a chemical exposure, it is critical for the victim to receive medical treatment while local law enforcement and OSHA start investigating. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing the best interests of our clients throughout these investigations. We are also ready to conduct independent investigations with our own team of medical professionals and hazardous materials experts. Investigation must begin immediately in these cases.

Our investigation will review the actions of property owners, property management companies, cleaning crews and others. One of these parties may be responsible individually, or one or more companies may share responsibility.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured by a Cleaning Chemical Accident or Exposure?

Learn your legal rights. For a free consultation, contact the attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck at 800-379-1244. You can also use our contact form.