Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: EXPLOSION

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 flying plastic projectiles hazards due to the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes used for transporting compressed air throughout the facility: On July 31, 2007, and at times prior thereto, in the pressing area at this facility, the employer was transporting compressed air above ground through 1/2-inch J-M pipe, schedule 40, 1120 PVC pipes, exposing the employees to the hazard of exploding plastic. Among other methods, one feasible and accepted means to correct this hazard is to replace the current PVC compressed air piping system with materials suitable for maximum air pressure such as metal pipes. The McAllen Cleaners was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard or its equivalent Standard which was contained in OSHA Inspection #310138599, Citation #01, Item #002, Issued on 10/27/2006 and became final order on 11/21/2006.