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

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 January 3, 1999, employees were exposed to hydrogen sulfide while installing a fifty-four inch blind into the overhead vapor line of the fractionator. The employer was notified that hydrogen sulfide gas was detected in the area while the installation activity was being conducted. The employer did not remove the exposed employees from the work area. Thereby exposing the employees to the hazards associated with hydrogen sulfide. A feasible and useful means of abatement includes, but is not limited to the following actions: 1.Discontinue work and remove the employees from the work area until such time that the source of the hydrogen sulfide release can be located and controlled. 2.Requires that employees installing the fifty-four inch blind wear adequate respiratory protection, such as but not limited to self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or air line respirators.