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

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2) Special precautions. When the nature of the work to be performed falls within the scope of paragraph (a)(1)(ii) certain additional precautions were not provided: (iii)(A)(1)The employer did not provide fire watchers whenever welding or cutting was performed, where appreciable combustible material in building construction or contents was closer than 35 feet (10.7 m) to the point of operation; (iv) The individual responsible for authorizing cutting or welding operations did not designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit; (vii) Where practicable, combustible materials were not relocated at least 35 feet (10.7 m) from the cutting or welding operation work site: a) 3201 Lime Rd, Pueblo CO 81004: On or about October 12th, 2021, and at times prior, employees were exposed to fire and secondary explosion hazards while using an acetylene torch to cut open a used 55-gallon drum of motor oil without a fire watch posted. The employer did not grant authorization preferably in the form of a written permit for employees tasked with cutting used 55 gallon drums with an acetylene torch. The employees were exposed to fire and secondary explosion hazards while using an acetylene torch to cut open a used 55-gallon drum of motor oil with 6 other drums containing oil or other flammable materials within 20 feet of the point of operation. An employee sustained 2nd-degree burns to 11% of their body while he was conducting such decommissioning activities with an acetylene torch on a used 55-gallon drum that previously contained flammable chemicals.