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

29 CFR 1926.850(e): The employer did not determine if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances were used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances was apparent or suspected, the employer did not perform testing and purging to eliminate the hazard before demolition was started. a) Mollenberg-Betz, Inc., 139 S Lake Street, North East, PA.- On September 6, 2020, Purging and testing was not completed correctly in that two valves were not identified and opened properly prior to the purging process. This resulted in ammonia being present in a section of pipe which was to be cut and removed. An employee was hospitalized after he was sprayed in the face with pressurized ammonia as he cut the pipe. Abatement certification is required within 10 days after the abatement date noted on the citation. This certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date abatement was completed, method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. IN ADDITION, abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic, or video evidence or abatement or other written records.