OSHA Inspection: R.J. GRONDIN & SONS INC.

Issued

Oct 21, 2005

Abate by

Oct 21, 2005

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,700 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 the hazard of being struck by water line
components and valves:
Excavation - On or about August 11, 2005, two employees were
seriously injured while installing a wedge valve onto a ten
inch water pipe.  The water pipe was not isolated from the
overall water system which allowed pressure to accumulate
within the water pipe and caused the water pipe and valve to
dislodge.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of
abatement would be to isolate water pipe pressure by
completely closing water valves connected to the water system,
installing lockout or tagout devices onto water valves, and
opening water fixtures or appliances within the isolation area
to prevent the accumulation of pressure.ion

Issued

Oct 21, 2005

Abate by

Oct 26, 2005