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

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: a) The hazard of broken bones or death due to inappropriate operation of the hydroclave on or about 02/08/89 that could cause steam to develop and cause excessive pressure in the vessel. Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable methods to abate the hazard are: 1) Bolting or installing a clamb shell device on the hydroclave to assure the Harris door is secure on the vessel. 2) Using a lubricant that is appropriate for the space between the door and the vessel; and, 3) Assuring that the water holding tank has adequate capacity to fill the hydroclave; or, 4) Other engineering methods which would eliminate the hazard or prevent build-up of excessive steam in the vessel.