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

HAR 12-60-2(a)(3) was violated because: Hot asphalt stored in tank #513, was not kept below 350 degrees F. As a result the carbonaceous deposits in the top of the tank started to glow. Explosive gases ignited and an explosion occurred. Employees were exposed to potential 2nd degree burns from the "coke" deposits that flew out from the tank. 12-60-2(a)(3) states "Every employer shall provide safe work places and practices by elimination or reduction of existing or potential hazards. Elimination of existing or potential hazards by design, process substitution, or other appropriate methods is preferred because it eliminates the need for further employee protection. When elimination is not feasible, reduction of existing or potential hazards to acceptable levels, using methods such as engineering or administrative controls, isolation, or guarding, shall be promptly used. When these methods are inadequate to reach acceptable levels, personal protective equipment shall be provided and used." Abatement note: The employer must do an effective evaluation for the safe storage of processed asphalt. The employer must identify and use the API "Guide for Safe Storage and Handling of heated Petroleum-Derived Asphalt Products and Crude-Oil Residua", prior to using tank # 513 for the storage of hot asphalt. Location: Tank # 513.