OXNARD : Burned Worker Still in Critical Condition

An Oxnard man remained in critical condition Wednesday after a chemical mixture he was preparing spilled and burned him severely, authorities said.

Pat Walsh, 42, an employee of Ventura-based Applied Silicon, was stirring industrial chemicals in a 500-gallon vat at 4 p.m. Tuesday when the mixture boiled over, scalding his head and shoulders, said Brian Clark, hazardous-materials officer at the Ventura Fire Department.

The mixture contained sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical. It spilled onto the mixing-room floor but did not escape the building, he said.

Walsh sustained chemical burns over more than 50% of his body, according to a spokeswoman at Sherman Oaks Burn Center, where he was treated. Because of the nature of the burns, he is expected to remain in critical condition for at least a week, she said.

Authorities at Applied Silicon were not available for comment, but Clark said the spill appeared to be due to human error. “Apparently he was mixing too fast,” Clark said. Hazardous-material crews were called in and the site was closed for cleaning Wednesday, Clark said.