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Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 19101200 H03 III Hazard Communication.
Inspection Nr: 300603271
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Status: I
Initial Penalty: $7,000.00
Current Penalty: $4,000.00
Issuance Date: 02/13/1997
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 1
Abatement Date: 02/19/1997
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0524530
Contest Date: 02/24/1997
Final Order: 10/27/1997
Related Event Code (REC): C
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | F: Formal Settlement | 10/27/1997 | $4,000.00 | 02/19/1997 | Serious | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 02/13/1997 | $7,000.00 | 02/19/1997 | Serious |
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: ...... serious injury resulting from an explosion caused by mixing incompatible chemicals. At the CIPS Newton Power Station, specifically the bulk acid and caustic tanks located at the water treatment plant, the employer failed to ensure that an employee of Slay Transportation Company Inc. made the proper connection between his tractor-trailer tank and the caustic tank fill line on or about 09-09-96. This failure resulted in approximately 3,600 gallons of sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) from the tractor-trailer tank to be pumped into the storage tank containing approximately 9,600 gallons of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). A violent, chemical explosion resulted which caused serious injury to the Slay Transportation Company Inc. employee. One method of abatement to correct this apparent hazard is to develop specific, written procedures addressing precautionary measures to be taken to protect employees during the off-loading of acid and caustic liquids. Such procedures must include, at a minimum, a physical means of securing the valves against inadvertent opening and assigning a knowledgeable employee to make the connection between the tractor-trailer's transfer hose and the fill line. Other procedures to be considered should be the use of radio communication in the event of an emergency, the mixed use of Kamlock and threaded pipe fittings at each chemical off-load point, the use of the brakes and chocking of the wheels belonging to the tractor-trailer, and the display of proper signs and barricade tape to prevent entry into the unloading area while in operation. Such signs should read in accordance with ANSI Z53.1-1967: DANGER UNLOADING CORROSIVE CHEMICALS DO NOT ENTER DISCLAIMER: 1. You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2. The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3. The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate abatement method.