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

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 falls from heights: American Oil & Gas Turkey Creek Facility, 8 miles south of Fritch, Texas, on Hwy 136. On or about 28 April, 1996, an employee of Mid-Con Gas Corp opened the top hatch of the tanker under direction of the employer to visually verify the level within the tanker versus accepting the reading of the gauge mounted on the tanker itself. This exposed the employee to the hazards and injuries associated with falling from heights above ten feet, exposure to chemicals (i.e. natural gas distillate) and lack of training on vehicle run-away conditions. Among other methods, one feasible and accepted abatement method to correct this hazard is: 1. Discontinue the requirement of the drivers to visually check the level, by opening the hatch, within the tank. The gauge mounted to the side of the tanker and an adequate float mechanism for the type of chemical within the tank should be utilized and maintained in proper working conditions.