OSHA Inspection: NORTHSIDE PROPANE CO.

Issued

2002-12-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2003-02-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $3100.00 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 a fire and/or explosion hazard from the ignition of
Propane gas during the
filling of cylinders, due to a gas leak from a malfunctioning filler valve:
a)Site - 16124 Ancroft Court, Tampa Palms, Fl. 33647  Employees were not
protected, and precautions were not taken to prevent the ignition of
Propane gas
leaks during the filling of cylinders, because of 1. Improper spacing of
cylinders
less than 10' from electrical installations, 2. Filling of cylinders
without the use
of a filler hose adapter connected to the nozzle of the supply delivery
hose, used
to stop leaks, 3. Failure to use non-sparking tools to tap on the
cylinder's filler
valve to seat and close the valve's check spring, 4. Failure to shut down
present
and potential ignition sources upon discovery and detection of a gas leak.
5.
Failure to utilize one of the three alternative methods of LP-Gas cylinder
requalification, on or about 06/24/02.
A FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD OF ABATEMENT WOULD BE TO:
1. Follow the NFPA 58 code, table 3-2.2.2 for cylinder installation
requirements.
2. Follow the LP-GAS equipment manufacturer's ( Fisher, Sherwood )
recommendations, and industry practice of using filler hose adapters
attached to
supply line nozzles when filling propane cylinders.
3. Follow the MSDS from International Industrial Gases Ltd, which when
working with Propane, non-sparking tools should be used.
4. Follow the NFPA 58 Code, Section 1500, which mandates that all persons
employed in the handling LP-Gases shall be trained in proper handling and
operating procedures.
5. Follow the company's  MSDS, and the MSDS from International Industrial
Gases Ltd, which states to eliminate any possible sources of ignition, upon
accidental release and or leak of propane gas.
6. Follow the NFPA 58 Code, Appendix C-3 for the "Requalification,
Retesting
and Repair of DOT Cylinder Specification Containers".
7. Follow the Compressed Gas Association's Pamphlet C-6 for Cylinder
Inspections, and maintenance of Inspection Report Form 49 CFR 173.34

Issued

2002-12-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2002-12-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $600.00 · Current $300.00 Reduced

Issued

2002-12-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2003-01-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $600.00 · Current $300.00 Reduced

Issued

2002-12-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2003-01-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $750.00 · Current $300.00 Reduced

Issued

2002-12-18 00:00:00

Abate by

2002-12-28 00:00:00