www.CVOHARLEY.com
CVO Social => Rider Down => Topic started by: 16HD117 on September 13, 2009, 11:53:14 AM
-
This past Thursday I was doing some work around the house, cutting grass, changing fluids on the bike and shocking the pool. The yard work and fluid change went fine. My problems started when I started getting stuff together to shock the pool!
I normally use three pounds of chlorine shock. I had one pound of Chlor-brite shock (granular chlorine) in an old bucket and I had a new fifty pound bucket of Power Powder (powdered chlorine). I dumped the one pound of Chlor-brite and two pounds of Power Powder into a clean five gallon bucket. Took the bucket into the kitchen and sat it in the sink and started adding warm water to dissolve the chemicals. BAD MOVE!!! After a few seconds the mixture started foaming up and then exploded! It sounded like a shotgun went off! Loud enough that my ears were ringing, but worse than that the chemicals covered me from my chest up and was in my eyes and mouth. I ran up stairs and jumped into the shower clothes and all. The mixture down stairs continued to explode over and over. I believe I heard it explode about eight times. I did my best to get the chemicals out of my eyes and mouth. After drying off and putting a pair of shorts on I headed back down stairs to see what kind of damage I had done to the house.
I thought it was odd that that there was no chlorine smell upstairs but as soon as I hit the bottom step it was as if my lungs filled with water. I couldn't breathe in, I was chocking. I made it to the door leading to the garage and made it to the garage door before I collapsed. I was home alone. Judy was in Panama City and Michael was racing at Barber in Alabama. I thought to myself "Is this how I'm going to die?" . I was able to get up and make it to my neighbor’s house and he called 911. He sent his wife to another neighbor’s house who are both doctors. By this time I was struggling to breath and my vision was getting worse. Everything was very blurry. I could see shapes but that was it. While waiting on the ambulance the doctors checked my vitals and flushed my eyes.
In the ambulance and at the emergency room they gave me breathing treatments that really helped. They also kept flushing my eyes until they got the ph down to 7.0. Also took chest x-rays. I was breathing much easier but I still couldn't see and my eyes felt like they had sand in them. The Ophthalmologist said I had a slight burn to both corneas but no ulcers. He said my vision would be back to 100% in a few days. Great news! They kept me overnight and continued the breathing treatments every four hours.
I'm at home now and doing much better! My vision is just about normal and my breathing is much better. I still get short of breath but I'm told that will get better with more breathing treatments which I'm doing at home.
I found out that when the fire department arrived at my house they called in the hazmat team and quarantined the house and evacuated the houses closest to mine. They also called in a hazmat clean up company to clean up the damage. They told me that the explosion spread the chemicals in a 15 foot diameter circle on the ceiling and twenty foot radius on the floor and cabinets. The cleand up crew threw away everything that was exposed in the kitchen and den. micro wave oven, toaster, coffee maker, coffee grinder, cooking utensils, window treatments, etc. Can't wait to see the bill for clean up. Hopefully my homeowners insurance will cover it!
Anyway, I feel lucky to be alive and I know God was watching over me! Also, next spring I'm changing my pool over to a salt system!
I now wonder if the one pound of chemical that I thought was Clor-brite was actually something else!
The doctors assure me that I'll still be able to attend the mini CVO Gathering in Highlands Wednesday then on to Grove Park Inn Sunday and Maggie Valley next Wednesday! See you there!
:2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
-
Damn, that's frightening. So glad to read you're on a quick road to health again. Sounds like you basically weaponized chlorine. That does bad things to the body so you are lucky you're coming out as you are. Sorry about the property damage though. When herself got home how big of trouble did you get in 8) ?
-
holy crap!
Glad you are ok!
used to work on pools as a high school/college student, did some stupid crap with all sorts of chemicals and never had anything close to your experience
man, glad you are healing up!
Sean
-
Tommy,
Sorry to hear this, glad you on the road to recovery. Chemical reactions can cause bad chit to happen. :nervous: I'd much rather try to put the fire out in hell then deal w/hazardous materials.
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
-
Man, that's a close call Tommy. Glad you survived and will make a complete recovery. You were smart (after the dumb move with the chemicals) in how you reacted to survive. Looking forward to seeing you in MV and hearing the 'rest of the story'. :2vrolijk_21: spyder
-
Man, that's a close call Tommy. Glad you survived and will make a complete recovery. You were smart (after the dumb move with the chemicals) in how you reacted to survive. Looking forward to seeing you in MV and hearing the 'rest of the story'. :2vrolijk_21: spyder
Sounds like too close a call Tommy. Very sorry to read this but the important thing is your gonna 100% ... you know stuff is replaceable!! Here's to a speedy recovery :beerchug:
Howie
-
Damn, that's frightening. So glad to read you're on a quick road to health again. Sounds like you basically weaponized chlorine. That does bad things to the body so you are lucky you're coming out as you are. Sorry about the property damage though. When herself got home how big of trouble did you get in 8) ?
Judy was a nervous wreck when she got to the hospital at 4:00AM and just glad to see I was alive! I'm sure the lectures will come later!
:nervous: :nervous:
-
Judy was a nervous wreck when she got to the hospital at 4:00AM and just glad to see I was alive! I'm sure the lectures will come later!
:nervous: :nervous:
Geez Tommy, just think how deep you'd have been in it if you'd only bombed the inside of the house and hadn't gotten hurt. You might have really gotten hurt then!
-
That is one scary story :nervous:
Glad to hear your on the road to recovery with no permanent damage. :2vrolijk_21:
-
Wow! Glad to hear you are doing okay Tommy. Praying for fast and complete recovery!
-
all i can say is WOW! glad you are recovering!! i guess we are going to have be chemist before we become home owners!!
-
Tommy,
Man that is scary! Glad you will be okay. See you in Maggie Valley.
Mike
:drink:
-
Wow! Hard to read, scary. Glad for the outcome, but you sure can scare your friends. When you find out what really caused this please let us know. Until then, rest and heal up. Dave
-
So happy you will recover without lasting effects. How scary! Chemicals can be bad, bad things when the wrong combinations get together. Not knowing how to react and the fear of doing the wrong thing would be terrifying...
-
WOW! I am glad you will be ok.
-
Amazing story! Your are right, God was watching over you. May you have a speedy recovery! Stuff can be fixed and replaced. Hope you feel better soon.
-
Wow! Hard to read, scary. Glad for the outcome, but you sure can scare your friends. When you find out what really caused this please let us know. Until then, rest and heal up. Dave
I have an appointment tomorrow with the captain of the Hazmat team. I was told they took some samples to have it analyzed. I'll let you know.
-
Damn Tommy!!
Hate to read this, but glad to read you're OK. Scary chit
-
Wow!! Very scary!! Glad you're ok and almost back to normal.
-
get well soon, so Judy can kick you ass for blowing up her kitchen
-
Wow Tommy glad to hear that you are recovering and will be OK. I know that can be some scary stuff...
Just glad that everyone involved is OK, and thank GOD that there was people close by to help you.
Take care my friend.
bubba
-
That certainly was a scary story.....geez I am glad your ok.
Get to 100% soon.
-
Glad to hear you are back on the road to recovery
-
WOW ! glad your ok tommy......glad we will get see ya in MV .
-
So sorry to read of this Tommy but I am glad that you will be fine and able to attend the GTG. At least Judy will get to buy some new things - she cannot be too upset about that - now that she knows you are okay.
Heal quickly - stay strong.
-
Linda just notified me about this. So sorry to hear about this Tommy. Get well soon!
-
get well soon, so Judy can kick you ass for blowing up her kitchen
Tommy
Hope you get well soon.
That's a scary incident.
SBB
-
That's some scary stuff there, Tommy. Good to hear you'll be 100% soon. Salt water is the only way to go these days.
-
Holy Crap Tommy!!! :vrolijk27: :vrolijk27: :vrolijk27:
That's some story! You're very lucky as that's some NASTY chit!!! Glad to hear you'll be good as new! Look forward too seeing ya next week! Feel better man! :2vrolijk_21: ;)
Hoist! :coolblue:
-
Get well soon Tommy. :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:Glad to hear you will be ok. I hope the neighbors dont think your running a meth lab. :nervous: i'm sorry ididnt mean that. :D
-
Wow! Hard to read, scary. Glad for the outcome, but you sure can scare your friends. When you find out what really caused this please let us know. Until then, rest and heal up. Dave
Well I found out what I did wrong.
1. I was a dumb a** for not reading labels. :duhk:
2. I was a dumb a** for not wearing safety goggles. :duhk:
3. I found out that Chlor-Brite is a Sodium Di-chloro shock and that Power Powder Pro is a Calcium Hypochlorite shock.
NEVER MIX THESE TWO CHEMICALS TOGETHER AND DISOLVE WITH HOT WATER!
-
Well I found out what I did wrong.
1. I was a dumb a** for not reading labels. :duhk:
2. I was a dumb a** for not wearing safety goggles. :duhk:
3. I found out that Chlor-Brite is a Sodium Di-chloro shock and that Power Powder Pro is a Calcium Hypochlorite shock.
NEVER MIX THESE TWO CHEMICALS TOGETHER AND DISOLVE WITH HOT WATER!
Forgot the most important part Tommy. Dumb a** still up and telling the story :2vrolijk_21: .
-
Forgot the most important part Tommy. Dumb a** still up and telling the story :2vrolijk_21: .
True dat. :2vrolijk_21: I've got quite a few of those. :)
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
-
What a terifying event Tommy. Chlorine gas was used quite effectively in WW1 because, as you found out, it's heavier than air and filled the trenches to kill the enemy quickly. Also as you found out, dissolving chemicals into water is exothermic (gives off heat). That's why all fledgling chemists (professional AND amateur) are taught to NEVER add water to any chemical but to add the chemical to water instead. Thanks for the lesson and I'm glad you're OK! Mind if I stop by for a swim?
-
Well I found out what I did wrong.
1. I was a dumb a** for not reading labels. :duhk:
2. I was a dumb a** for not wearing safety goggles. :duhk:
3. I found out that Chlor-Brite is a Sodium Di-chloro shock and that Power Powder Pro is a Calcium Hypochlorite shock.
NEVER MIX THESE TWO CHEMICALS TOGETHER AND DISOLVE WITH HOT WATER!
sorry....you know I love ya man...but this is way too appropriate
glad your OK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n_5JeFEipc
-
sorry....you know I love ya man...but this is way too appropriate
glad your OK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n_5JeFEipc
IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE!
:D ;D :D ;D
Maybe I could sell my story to the Jackass producers!
:2vrolijk_21:
-
Glad you are OK!
I had a similar but FAR less dangerous episode.
Had a new spa back in 1994....never had one before. Went to go into the laundry room where the chemicals were kept. It was a cold day in winter and I decided to save some time with the chemicals by pre-mixing the shock and one of the other chemicals (I think a "clear" agent) We were only talking 8 oz of each but Poof! Chlorine gas cloud in my face.
I can only imagine what a 1-3 gallon mix did!
/Bill
-
Glad that you will be OK Tommy. Had something simliar happen to a friend many years ago. He was opening
a 5 gallon bucket of pool chemicals and there was a little water on the lid. When he tipped the lid up no
more than a few table spoons of water fell into the bucket. He had severe burns to face hands and eyes.
Having a back ground working with chemicals and training as a ERT member and for every ones benefit.
If you are exposed to chemicals flush the exposed area with cold water for a least 15 minutes. Get
out of any exposed clothing ASAP and continue flush. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
When mixing chemicals with water, always pour the chemicals slowly into the water never the reverse.
Prior to handling the chemicals put on your protective gear (safety glasses , face shield, gloves, acid
apron). Don't mean to sound preachy just want you all safe.
-
Didn't here about this until we were in MV - Tommy you are one lucky sum bitch!
I opened up a bucket of chlorine tabs for our pool many years ago. There must have been moisture in the bucket.
Popped the lid and got a fateful of the cloud.
Like you I was home alone. Dropped to the ground - couldn't breathe - real scary for a while. Couldn't even get up and go in the house.
Hopefully you will not have any lingering effects.
-
I just read about this Tommy...Glad you are ok. And you survived Judy as a bonus.
You'll love the salt system...really.
I am unlucky enough to work around all sorts of nasty chemicals and chlorine in any form is just waiting for something to react with.
Always be aware of your PPE (personal protection equipment) like when riding.
Eye protection is paramount.
-
I just read your story, about half way through reading i was hoping to find it was a joke and was lookin forward to the punch line. Any ways glad you survived and recovering ok.
i also had a chemical reaction a couple of months ago, i was changing the chemicals in the jacuzzi, i was emptying a little PH- from the almost empty plastic bottle into a new container of PH- but as i did so the chemical started to bubble up violently, this had never happened before. The mixed chemical also got very hot so i let it cool down and put it to one side and used a completely different bottle of PH-
Later i found out that the new bottle actually had PH+ in it, incorrectly labelled by the supplier! DOH!!
-
Never mix old and new chemicals, ever.
Mixing things is best left to pros and bartenders...
-
I am unlucky enough to work around all sorts of nasty chemicals and chlorine in any form is just waiting for something to react with.
man, that explains a lot
-
man, that explains a lot
Does that mean I'm going to end up like Miker???
:'(
-
Does that mean I'm going to end up like Miker???
:'(
I'll say a prayer...
Are you attracted to your cousins? If so, it may be too late.
-
I dunno T, youa gots some work to do..
I wear eye protection and appropriate PPE, always.
and I am waaay smahttah than the litebird lunkhead.
-
Good news!
:huepfenjump3:
My homeowners insurance paid for the explosion clean up ($8.4k). Now waiting to see what happens on the property damage claim.
-
Niiice....tough way to get new stuff... :2vrolijk_21:
-
Good news!
:huepfenjump3:
My homeowners insurance paid for the explosion clean up ($8.4k). Now waiting to see what happens on the property damage claim.
Tommy, is that how much the HazMat billed you? Or was there 'other' clean-up after they left that had to be done? Glad they came thru w/o too much hassle (I hope). :-\ spyder
-
Tommy, is that how much the HazMat billed you? Or was there 'other' clean-up after they left that had to be done? Glad they came thru w/o too much hassle (I hope). :-\ spyder
That was the bill from the Hazmat clean up company, Hepaco Environmental Contractors.
I shouldn't get a bill from the Hazmat response team since they are part of my countys fire department and I pay yearly dues to the FD.
-
Sounds like a pretty lucrative bizness... :-\.. spyder
-
Sounds like a pretty lucrative bizness... :-\.. spyder
You got that right! They even came to the emergency room and got my charge card number and had me sign a release form before they started working!
-
You got that right! They even came to the emergency room and got my charge card number and had me sign a release form before they started working!
The new breed of 'ambulance chaser'. :-[ har! spyder
-
You think that was an expensive cleanup?
Don't spill oil - ground or water and especially in "environmentally sensitive" areas
-
Oh my... So glad you are OK. Makes one want to always have someone around when working around the house.
-
I wonder if there was any bleach in the buck you were using ? I know if you mix bleach and chlorine it will cause an explosion and have very toxic gasses.
-
I wonder if there was any bleach in the buck you were using ? I know if you mix bleach and chlorine it will cause an explosion and have very toxic gasses.
No bleach. I had two different type chlorine's in the bucket, sodium based and calcium based. As usual, I didn't read the warrings on the two buckets!
:-\