OSHA Inspection: TENNESSEE GAS PIPELINE COMPANY

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Penalty

Initial $3,375 · Current $3,375

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Hazardous substances 8880

General-duty citation text

T.C.A. 50-3-105(1):  The employer did not furnish employment and a
place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that
were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
An example on 11/28/00 was that a GAS-TRAC Model NGX-5 combustible
gas meter that was used to ensure that natural gas concentrations
were safe (and not near an explosive range) was not calibrated at
the daily frequency recommended in the manufacturer's Instruction
Manual for the meter (page 8).  The meters used by the company were
said to be calibrated quarterly (every 3 months).  On 11/28/00 one
of the meters was used by a Cutter/Welder to "sniff" the atmosphere
in the basement of Building D beneath natural gas Compressor Engine
Unit 3 where hot work (cutting and welding) were to be performed.
Not performing calibration checks at the manufacturer's recommended
frequency exposed employees to possible explosions due to
potentially inaccurate readings on the combustible gas meter and
the presence of natural gas at a dangerous concentration.  All
employees working on the engine or in its vicinity on 11/28/00,
including Operations Technicians performing maintenance on the
engine and a the cutter/welder and the fire watch employee in the
basement below the engine, were potentially exposed to serious
injury due to such a possible explosion.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard
is to strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommended calibration
check frequency.  If span gas is utilized for calibrations,
normally it has a "shelf life" where the gas should not be used for
calibrating instruments after a certain date to ensure accuracy.
The span gas manufacturer should be contacted to discuss this
factor if a "use by" or "shelf life" date is not given on the
cylinders.
ABATEMENT VERIFICATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Penalty

Initial $3,375 · Current $3,375

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Penalty

Initial $3,375 · Current $3,375

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Apr 9, 2001

Abate by

Apr 26, 2001

Hazardous substances 8880