OSHA Inspection: WEST VIRGINIA PAINT & TANK CO.

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

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 exposed to
the hazards of an unexpected rapid release of pressure and contents from a
Bulk Blast unit:
a) Tank 43, Motiva Enerprises, LLC - On or about 5/4/00 an employee opened
the quick-
actuating closure of the Schmidt Bulk Blast unit while the contents (black
beauty) were still
under 125 pounds of pressure.  The unit was not provided with a pressure
indicating device
or audible/visible warning device that would effectively warn the operator
if pressure was
present in the vessel when an attempt was made to open the lid.
Feasible and acceptable methods among others to correct the hazard is to:
a) Install a pressure indicating device on the auxiliary coupling on top
of the Bulk Blast unit,
opposite the 10 inch quick-opening closure used to fill the vessel.
b) Provide the manually operated quick-actuating closure with an audible
or visible warning
device that will warn the operator if pressure is applied to the vessel
before the holding
elements and locking components are fully engaged in their intended
position or if an attempt
is made to disengage the locking mechanism before the pressure within the
vessel is released.
c) Reinforce worker training in proper operation of the Bulk Blast unit to
include but not
limited to filling, turning the system on, blasting, blow down and the
hazards associated with
each procedure.

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

Penalty

Initial $2,400 · Current $1,100 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

Issued

Nov 2, 2000

Abate by

Dec 4, 2000

Hazardous substances 1591