Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 008 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.269(e)(4): Before removing the entrance cover to the enclosed space, the employer did not determine whether it was safe to do by checking for the presence of atmospheric pressure or temperature differences, and did not evaluate whether a hazardous atmosphere might exist in the space. Conditions that made it unsafe to remove the cover were not identified or eliminated before the cover was removed: (a) Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) - On or about April 29, 2025, and at times prior thereto, at the Hay Road combined cycle facility, before removing the manway cover of HRSG Unit 6's low-pressure drum, the employer did not determine whether it was safe to do so. Employees did not check for the presence of vacuum (below-atmospheric pressure) or temperature differentials within the vessel, nor did they evaluate whether a hazardous atmosphere or negative pressure existed. Conditions that made it unsafe-specifically, residual vacuum and elevated temperature inside the drum-were not identified or eliminated before the manway bolts were removed. When the final dogs were released, the pressure differential caused the manway door to swing violently inward, fatally striking the operator standing at the opening.