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

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(3)(i): Welding, cutting, or other hot work was performed on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers that had not been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain there were no flammable materials present or any substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors: a) 1040 North Brewster Road, Vineland NJ: On or about 05/15/19 an acetylene torch which produces heat and sparks was utilized to cut holes in metal drums. The drums were not cleaned of flammable materials and/or substances with absolute certainty that such materials were no longer present in the drums before cutting the drums with the acetylene torch. In addition, the drums were not adequately ventilated, purged, and/or inerted before the acetylene torch was utilized to cut holes in them to prevent flammable vapors from creating an explosion hazard. Potential sources of flammable vapors included but were not limited to: heptane and/or acetone. One of the drums containing heptane and/or acetone exploded while an employee was utilizing an acetylene torch to cut the top(s) of these drums off. NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1000.00 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.