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 a steel pressure testing cap/coupler assembly and/or parts of the pipe under test pressures. On or about March 7, 2001 at 901 19th Street Denver, CO an employee sustained a fatal injury to the head when he was struck by a pipe pressure testing cap/coupler assembly for an 8 inch chilled water pipe. The pipe was a new installation on the B-2 level in the new Federal Courthouse building, and the pipe was undergoing a pressure test being conducted with approximately 100 psi of compressed air. The deceased and two other members of his crew were working in close proximity (within ten feet) to the pressurized pipe. They were performing operations unrelated to the pipe pressure test. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish a regulated work area free from employees who would not be necessary to the task of pressure testing. In addition to precluding employees who are unnecessary to the task of pressure testing from working in the zone of danger, the employer could also install the pressure gauge (on the fill end) at ground level, as this would further reduce the amount of time that employees necessary to the task of pressure testing are in the zone of danger. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").