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 employees were exposed to petroleum crude oil chemical vapors: (a) On or about February 28, 2009 at the Temple Well site, located 3.5 miles northeast of Ray, North Dakota, an employee of Petro-Hunt, LLC was exposed to a hazardous atmosphere of crude oil vapors that were released when switching the flow of crude oil from a full storage tank to an empty tank. The shutoff valve on the piping system to the full storage tank had separated from the pipe causing a release of crude oil and toxic chemical vapors. Among other methods, a feasible means of abatement would be to implement the following: 1. Follow the inspection procedures as referenced in API (American Petroleum Institute) Standard 570, sections 4 and 5. 2. Implement a procedure for employees performing the "switching" operation to immediately report any faulty equipment, such as shutoff valve on the crude piping systems not working properly, so that it can be replaced or repaired by qualified personnel. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion