OSHA Inspection: ALLIANCE RECOVERY SERVICES, INC.

Issued

Jul 8, 1999

Abate by

Jul 20, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 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:
(a)The unexpected release of freon occurred when the end of vessel #1 came
apart
while employees were transferring hot freon vapor from a 1000 lbs. vessel
into
a 3000 lbs. vessel, the warming liquid increased the pressure rapidly
blowing the
end cap of the vessel creating a "concussion / non-flammable" explosion
resulting
in damage to the building, equipment and injury to one employee.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
the condition may include, but is not limited to the conformance with:
1.ASME Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, paragraph UG-
119(a)-(c) requires that the pressure vessels be provided with a name plate
bearing the markings called for in UG-116 (Code symbol & Manufactures
serial number) and be permanently attached by suitable means to the
vessel in some conspicuous place.
2.ASME Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, paragraph UG-
125(a) requires that all pressure vessels be provided with protective
devices in accordance with the requirements of UG-125 through UG-136.
Additionally, good engineering practices require the installation of a
pressure indicating device (gauge) as required in paragraph UG-125(e).
3.ASME Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, paragraph UG-90
requires that pressure vessels be inspected. Inspection of vessels shall be
in accordance with  American National Standard ANSI-NB-23, The
National Board Inspection Code, A Manual for Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Inspectors, Chapter II, Section I-400 and I-500, External and Internal
Inspection of Pressure Vessels and Chapter V, Inservice Inspection of
Pressure Vessel by Authorized Owner-User Inspection Agency, U-100
through U-116.

Issued

Jul 8, 1999

Abate by

Jul 20, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 Reduced