OSHA Inspection: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GROUP INC

Issued

Nov 3, 1999

Abate by

Dec 22, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

Section 50-9-5(A), NMSA 1978 (New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety
Act):  Every
employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of
employment which
are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause
death or serious physical
harm to his employees.
Employees are exposed to hazards associated with mixing incompatible
chemicals during
hazardous chemical transfer duties.  Employees make chemical transfers
throughout the
water and wastewater treatment plants.  On the date of the accident,
August 6, 1999,
sodium hypochlorite was transferred into a 2,200 gallon tank which was
contaminated
with pHAIRWAY fertilizer, an incompatible chemical.  The employer was
aware of the
hazard (notification by Site Safety Coordinator and availability of MSDS),
however, the
sodium hypochlorite transfer proceeded.  The addition of sodium
hypochlorite to
pHAIRWAY fertilizer resulted in an eruption of the tank and the release of
the
hazardous
chemical, sodium hypochlorite.  The release of the chemical seriously
injured three
employees and killed a fourth employee.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is to provide employees with written work site specific
safety/health program
which must include the following, at a minimum:
1.A safety and health risk or hazard analysis for hazardous tasks to be
performed on work sites.  This may include information such as hazardous
chemicals on site and incompatible materials in proximity;
2.Procedures to follow and materials to be used when conducting hazardous
duties.  This may include information such as using non contaminated
and/or a new holding tank when performing a hazardous chemical
transfer;
3.A list of personal protective equipment to use when performing hazardous
duties; and
4.A set of training issues that are to be given to employees that cover
work
site hazards.
Date Corrected                  Describe Corrective  Action :

Issued

Nov 3, 1999

Abate by

Dec 1, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

Issued

Nov 3, 1999

Abate by

Dec 1, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000