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 the hazard of the sudden and unexpected, explosive release of nitrogen gas: A) Liquid Oxygen Pad, Space Launch Complex 37B, prior to the disassembly of temporary piping that had been used in the cleaning of the LOX system, the section of temporary piping to be disassembled was not vented (depressurized) to atmospheric pressure, on or about July 8, 2001. One feasible means of abatement, among others, would be to follow the safety procedures enunciated in The USAF Eastern and Western Range Safety Manual, 127-1, Section 6.11.5.1.4(a) and (b) 1. Depressurize the portion of the system to be worked upon prior to the initiation of disassembly; 2. Assure controlling valves are isolated from the source of gas pressure; 3. Apply lockout devices and warning tags to controlling valves to prevent unintended or unauthorized activation; 4. Establish and maintain a control area to assure that only personnel directly involved in the disassembly are in the area of the activity. ABATEMENT VERIFICATION REQUIRED: