Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard: UNAPEQUIP

Virginia Code 40.1-51.1(a): 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 employee(s) in that employee(s) were exposed to the impact hazard of a large volume of compressed air that was contained under high pressure. On 11/04/97, in front of 359 Irving Street, Arlington, Virginia, a pressure test was conducted on a 12" diameter steel natural gas (dry) pipeline, for which the end cap was held in place by a Dresser #38 coupling, and with an employee monitoring the pressure increase from a position within an unprotected trench. The employer failed to adhere to the provisions of the Washington Gas Company, Inc., Distribution Department's Operating Instructions, which prohibits the use of couplings when pressure testing pipelines with a diameter in excess of 10", and that an employee was allowed to remain in the proximity of the "deadhead" (end cap) while the pressure test was in process. One feasible and acceptable method to correct these hazards would have been to weld the "deadhead" (end cap) in place, and remove the employee from the trench, away from the area of danger.