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

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 the recognized hazards of lacerations and impalement by plastic shrapnel associated with the potential explosive rupture of PVC pipe used to transport compressed air: Garages, trailer shop and wash bay of Glazier Trucking: On or about January 26, 2009, and at times prior thereto, a compressed air system was installed throughout the facility using Genova brand schedule 40 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The schedule 40 PVC pipe was used as a main line and for multiple drops to quick connect outlets. The system was operating in excess of 100 psig. Existing compressed gas systems using PVC piping must be completely enclosed, buried, or otherwise guarded as it does not possess shatter resistant properties and the brittle PVC material can be broken or shattered by external forces and stress. Feasible abatement methods for this violation include, but may not be limited to, replacing with a gas piping system which complies with ANSI/ASME B31.8-1986; using products which have been suitably evaluated for the installation method; and following product guidelines set by the manufacturer for the particular intended service.