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: Production Area - Employees were potentially exposed to burns from ignition of natural gas from an improper supply hose (approximately 5/8" green garden hose). A fabricated brick oven on the end of the production line to heat miscellaneous products was supplied natural gas with a typical garden hose. ABATEMENT NOTE: Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to utilize piping/flexible hosing systems as stipulated by: ANSI Z223.1-1984, National Fuel Gas Code, Parts 3 and 5; Z21.45-1985, Flexible Connectors of Other Than All-Metal Construction for Gas Appliances, Parts 1 and 2; and Z21.2-1983/Z21.2a-1985, Gas Hose Connectors for Portable Indoor Gas Fired Equipment, Parts 1 and 2. Safe practices would include: 1. Hose be replaced with approved piping and secured with hangers of adequate quality/strength, in a workman like manner, to prevent vibration and undue strains and no longer support it by laying on the floor. 2. Manual gas shutoff valves be plainly marked for the equipment they control and be readily accessible. 3. Flexible hose connected to equipment from piping , mobility/vibration reasons, be suitable and safe for the condition used and not exceed six (6) feet in length. Suitability can be achieved by, either the hose/hose connector manufacturer's approval for use with natural gas or the local utility company's approval.