OSHA Inspection: MERICHEM COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Dec 3, 1987

Abate by

Dec 6, 1987

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $720

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:
a) The hazard of crane collapse or failure as they were replacing the
atmospheric vent/overflow pipe of sulfuric acid tank #T-78 while on a
work platform suspended from a Pitman truck-mounted crane Model No.
HL-170.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to provide access in the form of ladders,
platforms or walkways permanently affixed to the tank or scaffolding
to maintain and service the tank.

Issued

Dec 3, 1987

Abate by

Dec 6, 1987

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $720

General-duty citation text

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:
a) The hazard of tank or equipment failure due to inadequate inspection
and maintenance procedures evidenced by excessive corrosion of vents
and malfunctioning of gaging devices.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and implement a program of internal
and external inspection of tanks, inspection of piping systems and
related equipment. This program must include and is not limited to the
following:
(1) corrosion rates
(2) monitoring thickness of tanks & pipes
(3) welds
(4) leaks
(5) improper functioning of mechanical equipment such as vents &
gaging devices.

Issued

Dec 3, 1987

Abate by

Dec 6, 1987

Penalty

Initial $7,200 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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:
a) The hazard of a hydrogen explosion during replacement of the
atmospheric vent/overflow pipe of the 44,900 gallon tank # T-78
containing approximately 7,546 gallons of sulfuric acid. Employees
were in the process of removing a reducer in the vent line at the
top of the tank using an electric Milwaukee grinder S/N 0065114243.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to test the tank vapor atmosphere for explosive
mixtures before and after purging when exterior hot work is scheduled.
Purging may be done with steam or inert gas.