OSHA Inspection: YUASA, INC.

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Jul 30, 2000

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

General-duty citation text

KRS 338.031(1)(a): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of
employment
which were free form recognized hazards that were causing or likely to
cause death or
serious physical harm to an employee in that:
a.The company failed to ensure that pressure vessels that were operated at
pressures greater than 15 psig in the battery plant were constructed in
accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes Section 8 in that:
(1).  The vessel was not fabricated or manufactured by a facility that
held a
certificate of authorization from the ASME boiler and pressure vessel
committee.
(2).  The maximum allowable working pressure was not determined.
(3). The vessel did not have a pressure relief device installed.
(4).  The vessel was not hydrostatically tested prior to use.
The unit was purchased from Bryant Sheet Metal in Lexington per the
specifications
of a
Yuasa management official. The vessel did not meet ASME codes, nor was the
vessel
certified or registered.  The vessel used was approximately 23 inches by
49 inches.  It had
flat heads and floor supports and three nipples, screw threaded and capped
in the vertical
position.  The metal was approximately 1/8th inch thick.  The heads
appeared to have been
manually welded.  There was evidence of leakage at these welds where a gas
tank putty was
applied over the weld. An air regulator rated at 250 psi inlet pressure at
175 degrees F
manufactured by Parker Pneumatic had the adjustment knob missing and the
stem had
markings resembling the use of pliers on the stem for adjustment. There
was no safety relief
valve on the vessel.  The vessel could be valved off at the feed using
inch manual ball
valve manufactured by Watts.  The feed side could also be valved off using
similar ball
valves.

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Aug 23, 2000

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Aug 23, 2000

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Aug 23, 2000

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Aug 8, 2000

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Issued

Jul 26, 2000

Abate by

Aug 8, 2000

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500