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 the hazard of chlorine gas: a)Pool Chemical Room: Incompatible chemicals were stored and pumped in close proximity to one another. Two 50-gallon containers of sodium hypochlorite (chlorinated chemical) were stored with two-30 gallon containers of muriatic acid (acid). Sodium hypochlorite was pumped from one of the 50- gallon containers and muriatic acid was pumped from one of the 30 gallon containers and thereby created a potential for the generation and release of chlorine gas; on or about 2/22/12. NOTE: Because abatement of this violation is already documented in the inspection case file, the employer need not submit certification or documentation of abatement for this violation as normally required by 29 CFR 1903.19. Among other feasible methods the following methods of abatement would eliminate the hazard identified: 1.Physically separate incompatible chemicals to a minimum distance of 8 feet apart. 2.Place muriatic acid containers on a spill containment pallet. 3.Place the 15-gallon container from which sodium hypochlorite is pumped into the system on a spill containment pallet. 4.Pump from the 50-gallon sodium hypochlorite container directly to the 15- gallon sodium hypochlorite container rather than using a 5 gallon open transfer bucket.