OSHA Inspection: BROWNING TRUCKING

Issued

Oct 24, 2000

Abate by

Nov 14, 2000

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $400 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2260

General-duty citation text

P.L. 91-596 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 hazard of having contact with hot
pressurized black liquor and/or
being struck by a loose whipping hose containing black liquor, due to hose
failure:
a)  Black Liquor Truck Loading/Unloading Area - A chemical transport
driver who was in the
process of starting the transfer of 5,500 gallons of black liquor at 70
psi pressure and 120
degrees F from a storage tank into the tanker truck he was driving, was
sprayed with the black
liquor due to a failure in a portion of the hot tar and asphalt hose that
was used in the transfer,
causing the driver to fall from the top of his truck and resulting in
respiratory problems that later
caused his death, on or about 04/28/00.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to:
1. Having an inspection procedure for hose assemblies along with training
and conduct
inspections of hoses used in the transfer of black liquor between tanker
trucks
and storage tanks
prior to use. Repair or replace missing or damaged hose assembly
components.
2. Verify that hose assemblies are properly connected and valves are open
to prevent a pressure
buildup in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and proper
unloading
procedures prior to performing transfer operations.
Note:  For additional assistance, please refer to the product literature
from the hose and coupling
manufacturers/suppliers.