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

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 a fire hazard: (a) The Williams Companies, at 23759 Weld County Road 34.5, La Salle, CO: On and preceding 3/2/2020, The Williams Companies 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 a fire hazard. Employees performed pigging operations at a compressor facility. During the pigging process, flammable liquids, vapors, and gases were released from the receiver and launcher. Employees continued to perform pigging as flammable liquids were drained into open topped cattle troughs and vapors and gases were released from the launcher and receiver. Potential ignition sources, such as but not limited to a non-intrinsically safe tool, internal combustion engines, frictional heat, and mechanical sparks, were in proximity to the operation or created by the operation. The flammable liquids, vapors, and gases were ignited and a fire resulted. The Williams Companies did not ensure that all potential fuel and ignition sources were eliminated or controlled. This condition exposed employees of The Williams Companies to a fire hazard.