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

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 hazards of being struck by the force of sudden and unexpected releases of air pressure, and the water and parts propelled from the tank by that air pressure following a hydrostatic test of a pressure vessel where air pressure had been applied to the tank in order to drain it more rapidly. Feasible methods to correct this hazard include, but are not limited to, 1) Establishing a written procedure which addresses steps to be followed for the safe dissipation of stored energy, and especially where circumstances deviate from normal hydrostatic or pneumatic test procedures. 2) Ensure that all sources for re-introduction of energy to the tank are controlled in order to prevent re-introduction of pressure when unknown to the operator. 3) Train employees on these practices and procedures in the performance of hydrostatic or pneumatic test. Abatement Certification and Abatement Documentation required.