scope:

Description of Driving Event:

On 1-28-93, during normal testing in the Model Preparation Area (MPA) of the 16' Transonic tunnel, oil from a turboprop simulator model was vented into the atmosphere. The vented oil was MIL-7808- H, the same type as used in past model tests. The turboprop simulators have no oil scavenging system, therefore, it is standard practice to vent oil from the simulators.

When preparing to clean instrumentation fouled with the vented oil, it was determined that MIL- 7808-H oil contains Tricresylphosphate, a hazardous substance absorbable through the skin and capable of causing paralysis. After LaRC Environmental Health Personnel were contacted to determine proper protective measures, the MPA room was cleaned of all residual oil. There were no personnel injuries resulting from this incident.