Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to burns from ignition of gas leaks due to improper gas hose connectors, unsuitable lengths of hose from fixed piping to use end, and/or lack of a readily accessible manual shut-off valve: a) Ladle Cleaning Area - Rubber hose used for supplying gas to ladle torches exceeded 6 feet in length, lacked approved hose connectors, and a plainly marked shutoff valve that was readily accessible. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to utilize piping/flexible hosing system/ shut-off valves as stipulated by ANSI Z223.1-1984, Part 3 and 5, Z21.451985, Parts I and II, and Z21.2-1983/Z21.2a-1985, Parts I and II. Safe practices would include: 1. Manual gas shut-off valves be plainly marked for the machines they control and be readily accessible. 2. Flexible hose connected to equipment from piping, for mobility/vibration reasons, be suitable and safe for the condition used and not exceed 6 feet in length. Suitability can be achieved by either the hose connector manufacturer's approval for use with natural gas or the local gas utility company's approval.