A Case Study - Chemical Hazard Safety at Buffalo Wild Wings

Written By: Atanu Das on Thursday, September 7, 2023

Around 5:30 pm on November 7, 2019 before a dinner rush an employee at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant began cleaning the kitchen floor using Super 8 (a chlorine/bleach based) cleaner. The employee didn't know that Scale Kleen (an acid based cleaner) was spilled previously on the floor. The resulting mixture turned green and off-gassed causing the worker to flee with burning eyes and respiratory issues. A manager next went to the scene and attempted to squeegee the spill outside and was overcome and later died of the exposure. He was only 32 and was survived by his wife and young child.

What hazards were listed on the SDS?

The Super 8 SDS:

The Scale Kleen SDS:

If the employees were properly trained on the incompatibilities when mixing these two products, the accident could have been avoided. Be sure to audit your program and ensure workers are properly trained.