Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 hazard of being struck by flying particles: a.On May 9, 2000, the employer was using 1/2" PVC SCH 40 plastic pipe for use with compressed air, exposing employees to the hazard of being struck or punctured by high velocity projectiles during the rupture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe with a line pressure of 125 pounds per square inch (psi). The piping was not approved for the usage. Fragmentation of the pipe can occur because of fatigue caused by cold contents, and/or vibrations of the compressor shifting position and placing additional stress on the PVC pipe connector. The PVC pipe was run from the compressor along the shop wall to several connection points in the bay areas. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to replace the PVC pipe with approved steel pipe. ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED.TION