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

North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina: 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: a)for the Danis Environmental Industries, Inc. employees at the Mallard Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Charlotte, NC who, on August 18, 2000, entered a manhole (#43) to locate a leak on a newly constructed 42" ductile iron wastewater transport pipeline. The employees utilized a Cherne pneumatic plug and pressurized the pipeline without following recognized safety precautions, including: 1)Conducting pneumatic plug inflation and pipe pressurization from outside manhole(s) (Danger Zone), utilizing hose extensions and a remote inflation control panel. 2)Ensuring all pneumatic plug operations are conducted in a manner so that the maximum allowable backpressure recommended by the plug manufacturer is not exceeded. 3)Selecting and utilizing air pressure gauges which are appropriate for accurately measuring the pressures used during pneumatic plug operations and ensuring all gauges are calibrated as recommended by the manufacturer. 4)Properly positioning gauges with respect to the air stream to accurately measure backpressure exerted against pneumatic plug. 5)Utilizing a bracing system to restrain pneumatic plug and secure it in pipe when back pressure is exerted. Feasible abatement methods include, but are not limited to, the following: Conducting installation and use of pneumatic plug(s) in accordance with procedures outlined in manufacturers safety manual.