OSHA Inspection: PEMM CORP.

Issued

1997-03-12 00:00:00

Abate by

1997-03-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2100.00 · Current $1570.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) or in the alternative Section 1910.307 (b) 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 fire hazard from not
removing all sources
of ignition from the area before starting a test process that involved
using heptane and nitrogen:
(a)11/18/96 thru 11/20/96, Pemm Corp: Employees were testing a process that
involved pumping heptane and nitrogen through a plexiglass column. They
were
pumping the mixture through a 10ft high plexiglass column at different
pressures
and mixing it with nitrogen when it started spraying out of the top hose
connection.When the mixture reached a nearby halogen light the heptane
ignited.
The fire then spread rapidly throughout the entire facility.
Abatement Notes:
Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this hazard is to
establish and enforce
adequate safe operating procedures such as:
1.Before using any highly flammable products considerations to be taken in
this
process are: temperatures,pressures,the presence of co-reagents,and means
of
ignition,etc. Sources of ignition to be eliminated, include, but are not
limited to,
the following: open flames, cigarettes, matches, Hot surfaces, sparking
electrical
contacts and static electricity and others.
2.Training shall be provided to all employees prior to any use of or
testing of any
processes that involve the use of any highly flammable or combustible
products.

Issued

1997-03-12 00:00:00

Abate by

1997-03-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1050.00 · Current $790.00 Reduced

Issued

1997-03-12 00:00:00

Abate by

1997-03-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1050.00 · Current $790.00 Reduced