Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: EXPLOSION

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: On or about December 23, 1986 gasoline tank #15 was allowed to overfill, creating a vapor cloud. The employer did not have an established procedure nor were employee(s) trained in assessing the extent and potential hazards of fire and explosion created by unplanned release of flammables. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is to include, but not be limited to the following provisions: 1) Establish a written policy and procedure for employee protection in the event of accidental gasoline spills, that included, but not limited to, the following elements. a) Making an initial assessment of the spill from a safe location. b) Determining course of action. 1) Evacuate the affected area and notify an appropriate petroleum spill clean up service. 2) Further investigate and/or clean up the spill. a) Eliminate all sources of ignition. b) Monitor the atmosphere for explosive vapors. c) Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for the affected employees. d) Provide appropriate stand by fire suppression equipment. 2) Train all affected employees and contracted personnel on site in the established policies and procedures.