Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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 hazard of being struck by a steel pressure testing cap/coupler assembly and/or parts of the pipe under test pressures: On or about March 7, 2001 at 901 19th Street Denver, CO an employee sustained a fatal injury to the head when the pressure testing cap/coupler assembly came unattached from an eight (8) inch chilled water pipe that was being pressure tested. The coupler (a Victaulic Roust a Bout) had not been attached according to the manufacturer's specifications to provide 250 foot pounds of torque for adequate attachment. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to follow the manufacturer's literature regarding the proper procedures for attachment. Additionally, the proper tools for attaching pressure testing couplers must be available for employees. Abatement Note: Other means of attaching the pressure testing cap could also be utilized such as, but not limited to, having the cap directly welded to the pipe by a certified welder or use of a flat piece of steel welded to the end of the pipe. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").