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

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 the hazards of fire and deflagration due to release and ignition of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane: OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE 29 CFR 1910.106(f)(6): Class I flammable liquid(s) were handled, drawn, or dispensed where flammable vapor could reach a source of ignition: a- On or about 12:00 noon on December 18, 1998, employees were engaged in replacement of the external valve assembly and adjustment of the internal valve on an L- 125 (MC-331) tanker trailer used for LPG transport. Work took place at the outside rear area of the Main Building, next to the maintenance shop. During this procedure, the internal valve was opened while the external valve was also open, resulting in a release of LPG vapor. The vapor ignited due to the presence of an ignition source, which may include but is not limited to: a spark produced from ferrous-containing hand tools static caused by release of the compressed LPG vapors, and/or the presence of other ignition sources. Among others, one acceptable abatement method would be to develop and enforce a standard operating procedure (SOP) for valve replacement in LPG tanker trailers. As a minimum, the following aspects must be addressed: a) Cleaning and purging of the tanker prior to valve repair or replacement; b) Control and prevention of sources of ignition, such as open flames, sparks, etc.; c) Use of adequate ventilation and d) Training of employees in appropriate techniques for valve replacement.