Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 300527264
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 11/09/1997 X
Initial Penalty: $2,500.00
Current Penalty: $2,500.00
Issuance Date: 10/07/1997
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 13
Related Event Code (REC):
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0213100
Contest Date: 10/29/1997
Final Order: 09/21/1998
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | F: Formal Settlement | 09/21/1998 | $2,500.00 | 11/09/1997 | Serious | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 10/07/1997 | $2,500.00 | 11/09/1997 | Serious |
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL
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 inhalation, chemical burn and struck-by hazards caused by the rupture of a FRP aboveground atmospheric storage tank containing 5,000 gallons of 31hydrochloric acid solution and the ensuing destruction of adjacent PVC transfer lines containing 18sodium hypochlorite. Those hazards resulted from the employers failure to (1) follow the storage tank manufacturers instructions during air loading operations and (2) develop and implement an inspection, maintenance and testing program for its atmospheric tank and appurtenances; for its FRP aboveground atmospheric storage tank containing 31hydrochloric acid and associated scrubber system. On or about April 8, 1997, that tank ruptured during air loading of hydrochloric acid, resulting in the release of hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas, and turning parts of the ruptured structures into flying objects. Feasible means of abatement, among others, include the following: 1) Adhere to the tank manufacturers instructions, including, but not limited to, those stamped on manufacturers Drawing No. HA 34096-B, and contained in O.C.F. Pub. No. 3- PE-6344. Those instructions specifically advise that IF THE TANK IS TO BE AIR LOADED, THE TANK MUST BE VENTED WITH A 22" MINIMUM DIAMETER OPENING DURING ALL FILLING PERIODS...TANK PRESSURE NOT TO EXCEED 10" WATER.; 2) Develop and implement an inspection, maintenance and testing program for atmospheric tank and appurtenances which include, but are not limited to, venting devices and scrubber systems, to ensure continued appropriate venting rates and hydrogen chloride gas control, respectively; 3) Install a high level alarm, a tank over pressurization indicator/alarm, and provide for adequate emergency venting or emergency shutoff during bulk transfer operations; 4) Develop and implement written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bulk transfers into atmospheric tanks; 5) Ensure compatibility of all materials stored or handled in close proximity to hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite. Incompatible materials shall be separated, by inert products, separating walls, dikes, or some safe minimal distance. A SEARCH OF OSHA STANDARDS REVEALED THAT NONE ARE APPLICABLE. ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
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