OSHA Inspection: OLAN BELCHER LUMBER CO. INC.

Issued

Apr 15, 1987

Abate by

May 6, 1987

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $800

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
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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
sudden and unexpected release of contents from a piping system
containing steam at 175 psi located under the sawmill structure:
a) Adequate drainage and warming of piping was not done to eliminate
water hammer.
b) Valve No. 5 (a 6 inch Cox gun valve) did not meet the requirements of
the ASME standard for power piping (ANSI B31.1.0-1967) on that it was
not marked with the manufacturer's primary service pressure rating
and in that it was used for pressures exceeding that recommended by
the manufacturer.
c) The steam supply system incorporated a receiver which was not
designed, fabricated, and tested in accordance with requirements of
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and did not have a pressure
relief valve and guage.
d) Welding procedures used on the flange and ell at the 6 inch Cox valve
No. 5 did not comply with the requirements of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code (Section IX).
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable way to correct these
hazards are:
To install a regulator in the line to maintain steam pressure at rate
recommended by manufacturer.
Install an acceptable receiver that has been properly designed, tested
and had pressure relief valves and pressure gauges in accordance with
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
To avoid welding of all cast iron under pressure.