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

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 fire and projectile debris from a ruptured cylinder: a.On or about July 27, 2004, a Fill Station Operator attempted to connect and fill a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) cylinder with Oxygen gas before the cylinder was secured. The cylinder was dropped or fell from the Fill Station Operator's control in the process of being connected to the Oxygen fill line of the employer. The cylinder struck the concrete floor and ruptured, which caused a flash fire and ejected debris. One piece of debris in particular, the upper shoulder portion of the cylinder, fatally struck the Fill Station Operator. Among other methods, one feasible means of abatement would be to ensure that the cylinder is secured prior to the fill process, contained in a protective fill apparatus, and the Fill Station Operator is removed from the fill area to protect the Operator from the hazards associated with a cylinder rupture. ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED.TION