Text For Citation: 03 Item/Group: 029 Hazard: REFINERY

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii) Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Note: 1910.253(b)(1)(i) All portable cylinders used for the storage and shipment of compressed gases shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Parts 171-179. A. The employer did not ensure that Oxygen cylinders in storage were separated from fuel- gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier. This violation was identified during inspections of the facility from November 2009 to March 2010, Silver Eagle Refining Inc., 2355 South 1100 West, Woods Cross, UT, 84087. At the time of the inspection, Compliance Officers saw multiple Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Acetylene tanks were stored together and not separated by a noncombustible barrier with a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Tanks were located on the North side of the warehouse/welding shop area. By not separating tanks, potential for mixing and creating an explosive atmosphere which can expose employees to serious injury or death. This may be a system-wide occurrence that requires evaluation of all tank storage throughout the facility.