OSHA Inspection: COUNTRY GAS CO., INC.

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

Apr 15, 1994

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,300 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 fire and explosion hazards:
On or about February 24, 1994, the inlet and outlet vents located along
the south wall
of the fill room were blocked and/or obstructed by 100 pound propane
cylinders which
inhibited air movement across the floor.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is to ensure that all inlets and outlets are not blocked by stored
material to ensure
air movement across the floor at all times.
In additions, ensure that the building is ventilated in accordance with
NFPA 581992,
paragraph 72.2.1 as stated:
The structure shall be ventilated using air inlets and outlets, the
bottom of which shall
be not more than six inches above the floor, and shall be arranged to
provide air
movement across the floor as uniformly as practical and in accordance
with the
following:
a. When mechanical ventilation is used, air circulation shall be at least
one cubic foot per
minute per square foot of floor area.  Outlets shall discharge at least
five feet away from
any opening into the structure or any other structure.
b. When natural ventilation is used, each exterior wall shall be provided
with at least one
opening, with an additional opening for each 20 feet of length or
fraction thereof.  Each
opening shall have a minimum size of 50 square inches and the total of
all openings shall
be at least one square inch per square foot of floor area.
In addition, the commentary for NFPA 58 (1989) claims mechanical
ventilation
is more
predictable than natural ventilation and is preferred, especially where
liquid transfer is

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

May 16, 1994

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

Apr 15, 1994

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,300 Reduced

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

Apr 15, 1994

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

Apr 15, 1994

Issued

Apr 12, 1994

Abate by

Apr 15, 1994