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

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 puncture wounds due to the protrusion of steel pins used to secure insulation to bulkheads aboard vessels and impalement due to the protrusion of metal brackets and supports from walking/working surfaces: a)Aboard Hull #466 and #467 - At numerous locations throughout both vessels including the 02 level, fr 133 of hull #466; starboard intake, 01 level, starboard intake, hull #467; portside, 01 level, off fan room, #467; berthing 2, luggage room, hull #467; and unit #243 in the old blast building, steel pins used to secure insulation protruded into the work space and were unprotected against accidental contact. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install plastic pins covers on these protrusions which will reduce the likelihood of puncture wounds to the head, body and limbs. b)At the worksite - Support brackets and stanchions of various lengths were observed protruding vertically from walking and working surfaces of various hull sections in PO2 and the assembly building and aboard hulls #466 and #467 including 02 level, centerline, hull #467; A/C machinery area, fr 300, hull #467; SO stateroom 02, hull #466. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install metal lined rebar caps or pipe extensions on these protrusions which will reduce the likelihood of puncture wounds to the head, body and limbs.