Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 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 fragments of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Pipe in the event that the PVC plastic pipe ruptures: a:) for employees using compressed air located in the mechanics' work area at 1762 S. Lake Reedy Blvd in Frostproof (FL), as observed on or about 03/21/2011. The facility used PVC plastic piping in exposed above ground locations to distribute compressed air throughout the maintenance areas. The piping interconnected three different compressors operating at about 110psi. The use of PVC plastic pipe in exposed above ground locations is not recommended by the Plastic Pipe Institute, and such use is prohibited by ANSI/ASME B31.8-1986, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems Standard. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to replace all existing PVC pipes and fittings with cast iron materials, other types of metal piping, or compressed air hoses which are rated to transport compressed air safely in exposed above ground locations.