OSHA Inspection: SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO

Issued

Jan 6, 1998

Abate by

Feb 4, 1998

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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 condition(s) listed below:
The Employer, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company located at the 2010
Avenue R and 1405
Main Street did not ensure that the Rupture Disk to all Centrifugal
Chillers located in the
basement were vented to the atmosphere.  The Rupture Disk were instead
vented to the basement
where the Centrifugal chillers are located and where employees are
required to periodically
perform preventive maintenance.  The Centrifugal Chillers contain a
refrigerant that, if released
into the basement through the rupture disk could reduce oxygen available
for breathing.
Employees exposed to this condition could be subject to symptoms relating
to a oxygen deficient
atmosphere such as but not limited to light - dizziness, shortness of
breath, heart irregularities,
unconsciousness or death.