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

North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina: The employer did not furnish each of his employees conditions of employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to a liquid petroleum gas fire when replacing a gas flow meter on the rear deck of a bulk delivery truck parked inside the garage area of the facility: a)facility, rear deck of truck - where two employees operated an unapproved battery operated drill to remove a broken bolt from the gas flow meter within the Class 1, Division 1 area encompassing the rear deck of the LP-gas bulk truck. Among others, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to perform repair and/or modification of LP gas delivery trucks in locations where electrical systems are intrinsically safe or safe for the classified location or to conduct such operations in areas where the buildup of flammable gases or vapors is unlikely, such as outdoors, and additionally, ensure the product is completely purged from the delivery system before maintenance. References: Manufacturers Installation Manual for the LectroCount LCR-II Electronic Register: Step 3 includes: WARNING Internal pressure must be completely relieved before you start work on the meter." and Step 6 states; Make sure the meter is completely depressurized. NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2004 Edition, Paragraph 6.15.5.1 states: "Liquid or vapor meters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions." NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2004 Edition, Paragraph 6.20.3.3 states: "Open flames, cutting or welding tools, portable electric tools, and extension lights capable of igniting LP-Gas shall not be installed or used within the classified areas specified in Table 6.20.2.2." b)facility, north/west wall - where a standard light switch was installed within 6 feet and a standard electrical breaker box was installed within 11 feet of the Class 1, Division 2 classified location encompassing the rear of the LP-Gas bulk truck. Among others, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to perform repair and/or modification of LP gas delivery trucks in locations where electrical systems are intrinsically safe or safe for the classified location or to conduct such operations in areas where the buildup of flammable gases or vapors is unlikely, such as outdoors, and additionally, ensure the product is completely purged from the delivery system before maintenance. Reference: NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2004 Edition, paragraph 6.20.2.2 states: "Fixed electrical equipment and wiring installed within a classified area specified in Table 6.20.2.2 shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code."ical