OSHA Inspection: GFC FOAM LLC

Issued

Nov 16, 2000

Abate by

Mar 31, 2001

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $800 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8420X1001410

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 fire and explosion hazards from the foam
reticulation process.
a) Reticulation process: The Joyce 540 thermal reticulation chamber,
pressure
relief devices, and appurtenances were not inspected, tested, and
maintained in
accordance with the National Board Inspection Code, ANSI / NB-23.
b) Reticulation process: The hydrogen feed piping system of the Joyce 540
thermal reticulation chamber, was  not inspected, tested, and maintained in
accordance with the Compressed Gas Association,  Standard for Hydrogen
Piping Systems at Consumer Locations, CGA G-5.4.
c) Reticulation process: The oxygen feed piping system of the Joyce 540
thermal reticulation chamber, was  not inspected, tested, and maintained in
accordance with the Compressed Gas Association,  Industrial Practices for
Gaseous Oxygen Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, CGA G-4.4.
"ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED"
AMONG OTHER METHODS,  FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE
ABATEMENT METHODS TO CORRECT THESE HAZARDS ARE:
1) Inspect, test, and maintain the Reticulation Process equipment
per the referenced standards and codes.
2) Reference American Petroleum Institute,  Piping Inspection
Code, API 570, which offers additional guidance in hydrogen
and oxygen service.
3) Reticulator operators should be trained in hazard recognition,
evaluation, and control per  API 570,  1.4.5.