OSHA Inspection: V.C. TANK LINES, INC.

Issued

Nov 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 8, 1997

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: On or
about 10/10/97, 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 a tank truck driver and a materials handler were exposed
to the hazards of
percutaneous absorption of p-cresol and inhalation of p-cresol vapors from
the release of p-
cresol; or in the alternative:
29 CFR 1910.106(c)(1):  The design fabrication, assembly, test and
inspection of piping systems
containing flammable or combustible liquids were not suitable for the
expected working pressure
and structural stresses:
a- Location:  PMC Specialties, Inc., Fords, New Jersey - Para-Cresol
Unloading Station.
On or about 10/10/97, a tank truck driver and a materials handler were
doused
with
heated p-cresol during its pressure transfer from a tank trailer into a
storage tank when
the piping system failed.  More specifically, the transfer hose coupling
in the p-cresol
piping system came apart.  The coupling was assembled (glued together)
from PVC
components and not suitable for the expected working pressure of the
piping system.
During an unloading operation of heated p-cresol from a tank trailer into
a storage tank
at PMC Specialties in New Jersey, an improvised transfer hose quick
disconnect
coupling, which was utilized by the driver, came apart.  The glue or
contact adhesive
which was used for fusing together the PVC parts of the hose coupling was
attacked by
the p-cresol and unable to withstand the operating pressure of the hose
transfer system.
Skin contact with p-cresol can cause serious chemical burns and systemic
poisoning.
Contact with the eyes can cause permanent eye damage and blindness.
A feasible and acceptable method, among others, to correct this hazard, is:
1- Use couplings and fittings which are suitable for the working pressure,
temperatures and chemical conditions to which they may be subjected.
2- Review with tank truck drivers the selection and use of appropriate tank
discharge equipment such as piping, fittings, hose and hose couplings.
Consult
NFPA 385, Chapter 2-3.8.8.3 and chemical literature on p-cresol.
Condition noted on 10/10/97.