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

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 uncontrolled release of a flammable mixture with resulting fire and explosion: On or about July 19, 2000, employees working at Elda Landfill were involved in the installation of a new gas collection line, to tie into the existing 12 HDPE, High Density Polyethylene piping, utilizing an Electro Fusion process and were exposed to the uncontrolled release and subsequent electric power tool sparked explosion of the methane, hydrogen sulfide release from existing pipes that were not locked or tagged out and bled to de-energize the system. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to control the hazard is to: 1)Develop and implement a lockout/tagout program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147, which includes provisions for a written program, specific procedures, protective materials and hardware, and training and communication. 2)Develop a written lockout/tagout program that complies with the American National Standard for Personnel Protection Lockout/Tagout of Energy Sources Minimum Safety Requirements, ANSI Z244.1.ments,