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

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 employee was exposed to the hazard of severe burns from nitric acid due to the incorrect replacement of a barbed hose fittings: (a) At the work site - 355 Sills Rd., Yaphank, NY - an employee was using a Wilden pump on a 55 gallon drum to release 70% nitric acid into a processing tank. The pump was fitted with a nylon made barbed hose fitting which is chemically not compatable with nitric acid; on or about 7/29/10. ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is to institute a written procedure of all necessary repairs and replacements to ensure that proper parts are used, train employees to identify any abnormalities that are detected during operation of the equipment, as well as, daily usage of the equipment and inspect the equipment; In accordance with the Wilden Pump Manual and Specification Pro-Flo model P1, section 6, page 7, records, page 8 and section 7, page 10. Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.