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 to each of his employees 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 potential hazard of a "natural gas explosion and fire": (a) United Parcel Service of America, Inc.: Employees were not evacuated from the building when the smell of natural gas was reported on or about September 22, 2003, and therefore, they were exposed to the potential hazard of a "natural gas explosion and fire". The employer had a written emergency action/response plan, titled "United Parcel Service EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN, SECTION IX - Emergency Action Plan", Rev. 04/02, where section 'H. Gas Leaks' listed six of seven total procedures that were not followed during the approximately eleven hour duration of this particular natural gas leak. The following specific procedures from the above referenced emergency response plan were not followed: 1. Employees should notify UPS management if the odor of gas is detected. 2. The gas company should be notified immediately. 3. Open overhead doors, if applicable. 5. Extinguish all ignition sources. 6. Turn off the gas at the main. 7. In the event of strong gas odor, or if a gas main breaks in your area, evacuate the area and notify the fire department. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to fully implement the above referenced emergency response plan for 'Gas Leaks', specifically define "strong gas odor", and verify that all affected employees are fully trained and comprehend each of the specific procedures of this emergency response plan for 'Gas Leaks'. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").