OSHA Inspection: R. B. JERGENS CONTRACTORS, INC.

Issued

Dec 1, 2000

Abate by

Dec 13, 2000

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,000 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 uncontrolled release of a
flammable mixture with resulting fire and explosion:
On or about July 19, 2000, employees working at Elda Landfill were
involved in the installation of a new gas collection
line, to tie into the existing 12 HDPE, High Density Polyethylene piping,
utilizing an Electro Fusion process and were
exposed to the uncontrolled release and subsequent electric power tool
sparked explosion of the methane, hydrogen sulfide
release from existing pipes that were not locked or tagged out and bled to
de-energize the system.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to control the
hazard is to:
1)Develop and implement a lockout/tagout program in accordance with 29 CFR
1910.147,
which includes provisions for a written program, specific procedures,
protective
materials and hardware, and training and communication.
2)Develop a written lockout/tagout program that complies with the American
National
Standard for Personnel Protection Lockout/Tagout of Energy Sources Minimum
Safety
Requirements, ANSI Z244.1.ments,

Issued

Dec 1, 2000

Abate by

Jan 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $3,500