VALLIANT, Oklahoma -- An International Paper employee was hospitalized after being sprayed with sulfuric acid, according to the United Steelworkers Union.

According to a May 20 news release by the union, on May 12 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a USW Member of Local 13-162, International Paper in Valliant, OK, was in the process of unloading a 98% Sulfuric Acid Railcar in the Lime Kiln area of the Power & Recovery Department. A leak was noticed at the product line connection point on the railcar, the unloading process was stopped and the railcar was vented to remove pressure from the railcar. The employee left the area and walked back to the water plant.

After being gone for 45 minutes, he returned to disconnect the air and product lines in an attempt to fix the leak. When he uncoupled the air line, he was sprayed with sulfuric acid that went under the face shield he was wearing at the time. He immediately started using the emergency eyewash and shower. Attempting to call for help, another employee noticed him in the emergency shower and called for the medic and ambulance. He sustained chemical burns to his face, neck, chest and both arms. He was taken to Paris Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and then transferred to Parkland Hospital Burn Center in Dallas, Texas.

He was released the following day and is currently recovering at home.