OSHA Inspection: THE STRONG COMPANIES, INC.

Issued

Apr 27, 1998

Abate by

May 1, 1998

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

Issued

Apr 27, 1998

Abate by

May 1, 1998

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,750

Issued

Apr 27, 1998

Abate by

May 1, 1998

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $70,000

General-duty citation text

Virginia Code  40.1-51.1(a): 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 employee(s) in that
employee(s) were exposed to the impact hazard of a large volume of
compressed air
that was contained under high pressure.  On 11/04/97, in front of 359
Irving
Street, Arlington, Virginia, a pressure test was conducted on a 12"
diameter
steel natural gas (dry) pipeline, for which the end cap was held in place
by a
Dresser #38 coupling, and with an employee monitoring the pressure
increase from
a position within an unprotected trench.  The employer failed to adhere to
the
provisions of the Washington Gas Company, Inc., Distribution Department's
Operating Instructions, which prohibits the use of couplings when pressure
testing pipelines with a diameter in excess of 10", and that an employee
was
allowed to remain in the proximity of the "deadhead" (end cap) while the
pressure
test was in process.
One feasible and acceptable method to correct these hazards would have
been to
weld the "deadhead" (end cap) in place, and remove the employee from the
trench,
away from the area of danger.