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 to each of his employees 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 potential hazard of a "natural gas explosion and fire": (a) United Parcel Service of America, Inc.: Employees were not evacuated from the building when the smell of natural gas was reported on or about September 22, 2003, and therefore, they were exposed to the potential hazard of a "natural gas explosion and fire". On or about September 22, 2003, a truck trailer struck and damaged a natural gas pipe that was supplying gas to an overhead unit heater located between Box Lines #1 and #2. This and potentially other natural gas pipes and/or overhead unit heaters were located in positions where they were capable of being struck by truck trailers. This situation would be contrary to the requirement listed in NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1-2002, "National Fuel Gas Code", 2002 Edition, which states under paragraph 6.2.1, "Piping installed aboveground shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage (also see 6.1.4)." Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to move all of the applicable natural gas pipes and/or overhead unit heaters higher off of the floor, such that no truck trailer is capable of contacting them. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").