OSHA Inspection: RECKITT BENCKISER INC.

Issued

Jan 12, 1999

Abate by

Feb 15, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1430

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: On or
about July 20, 1998,
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:
a- Employees were exposed to inhalation, chemical burn and struck-by
hazards when a
fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) aboveground atmospheric tank (Tank
#21) containing
about 5000 gallons of technical grade (31or 20 deg. Baume) hydrochloric
acid (HCl)
solution ruptured during filling operations.  The event occurred about
1:00 P.M. on July
20, 1998 just as a transfer of HCl into tank #21, using compressed air,
was completed.
The rupture resulted in the release of the entire tank contents and caused
splashing of the
acid, dislodging of the tank from its saddle and sending torn tank parts
flying.
Tank #21 was not an approved pressure vessel.  The compressed air used to
effect the
transfer of HCl was at 15 PSIG.
Feasible means of abatement, among others include the following:
1- Replace ruptured tank #21 and undamaged identical tank #19 for HCl
storage.
Replacement tanks should be designed in accordance with generally accepted
standards.  If tank is of a FRP material, adherence to ASTM Specifications
D3299-95a, Filament-Wound-Glass-Fiber Reinforced Thermocet Resin Chemical-
Resistant Tanks and D4097-95a, Contact-Molded Glass-Fiber Reinforced
Thermocet Resin Chemical-Resistant Tanks, is recommended.
2- Develop and implement an inspection, maintenance and testing program for
atmospheric tank and its 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.  Flow choking due
to gas
volume is an important consideration.
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 specific written standard operating procedures
(SOPs)
for loading of bulk chemicals into atmospheric tanks using compressed air.
5- Develop other methods of transfer that do not subject storage tanks to
sudden
bursts of air pressure or use tanks designed and approved to handle the
maximum
pressure of the compressed air used to effect the transfer.
A SEARCH OF OSHA STANDARDS REVEALED THAT NONE ARE APPLICABLE.
ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED.

Issued

Oct 7, 1998

Abate by

Nov 24, 1998

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Oct 7, 1998

Abate by

Oct 13, 1998