OSHA Inspection: SPECTRA GASES INC.

Issued

May 23, 2002

Abate by

Jul 25, 2002

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,500 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 impact injuries caused by
detonation/explosion of a compressed
gas cylinder:
a- During manufacture of a custom-order lighting gas, a #3 cylinder was
prepared
containing equal parts of hydrogen, oxygen (flammable and oxidant gases),
nitrogen and
argon.  This four-component "premix" was under high pressure, within the
explosive
range and could be easily initiated.  On February 13, 2002, the premix
cylinder exploded
during discharge of the gas mix.  The potential for explosion also existed
during mixing
of the components, cylinder handling and storage.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this
hazard is to establish and implement procedures for the following:
1. Provide written and approved instructions for each gas mixture product
(standard and custom order).  These instructions should specify filling
equipment
to be used and must be prepared by competent staff using
industry-recognized
data to evaluate gas mixture hazards and constraints such as safety and
technical
feasibility.
2. Enhance training of personnel on gas mixing hazards based on formulated
instructions which covers safety and health hazards, necessary personal
protective
equipment, safety rules, emergency procedures and first aid.  Training
should be
documented and updated regularly.