OSHA Inspection: LINDEN BULK TRANSPORTATION CO., INC.

Issued

Jun 14, 1999

Abate by

Jul 19, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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 hazards of fire and deflagration due to release and
ignition of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) or propane:
OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE
29 CFR 1910.106(f)(6):  Class I flammable liquid(s) were handled, drawn,
or dispensed where
flammable vapor could reach a source of ignition:
a- On or about 12:00 noon on December 18, 1998, employees were engaged in
replacement of the external valve assembly and adjustment of the internal
valve on an L-
125 (MC-331) tanker trailer used for LPG transport.  Work took place at
the outside rear
area of the Main Building, next to the maintenance shop.  During this
procedure,
the
internal valve was opened while the external valve was also open,
resulting in a release
of LPG vapor.  The vapor ignited due to the presence of an ignition
source, which may
include but is not limited to: a spark produced from ferrous-containing
hand tools static
caused by release of the compressed LPG vapors, and/or the presence of
other ignition
sources.
Among others, one acceptable abatement method would be to develop and
enforce a
standard operating procedure (SOP) for valve replacement in LPG tanker
trailers.  As
a minimum, the following aspects must be addressed:  a) Cleaning and
purging of the
tanker prior to valve repair or replacement; b) Control and prevention of
sources of
ignition, such as open flames, sparks, etc.; c) Use of adequate
ventilation and d) Training
of employees in appropriate techniques for valve replacement.

Issued

Jun 14, 1999

Abate by

Jul 19, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Jun 14, 1999

Abate by

Jul 2, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Jun 14, 1999

Abate by

Jul 2, 1999