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

21 VSA Title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-chapter 5, Section 223(a), Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety & Heath Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to incompatible chemicals stored together that can create Sulfur Dioxide gas when mixed, release chlorine gas, or explode when heated or oxidized. Location: Town of Putney Wastewater Treatment Plant - Chemical storage shed. Violation: The employer did not provide a safe place of employment free from the recognized hazard of toxic gas production or fire and explosion as a result of heating or mixing these 2 chemicals (Sodium Bisulfite Solution and Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (10-16w/w)), such as in the case of a spill; thereby causing burns to eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, skin; various physical trauma as a result of potential explosions and death (from either toxic gas or explosion). Feasible and acceptable means of abatement include but are not limited to: a) Separating these 2 chemicals physically so no mixing can occur b)Insulating and ventilating the building to provide better airflow and resistence to ambient summer temperatures c)Eliminating this building as such and using grant monies to provide a safer storage area incorporating the chemical separation and heat dissipation as defined above