OSHA Inspection: NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY

Issued

Aug 11, 2004

Abate by

Aug 19, 2004

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees 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)Northwest Pipe Company & 6030 N. Washington St., Denver, CO:  On or
before May 11, 2004, the employer did not ensure that employees were
protected from fire and explosion hazards from the improper installation of
natural gas lines to two overhead heaters in the East Hydrotest Area.  A
flexible rubber hose, without a rating for use with natural gas, was
installed as
an elevated connection between two lengths of iron pipe at the south west
corner of the hydrotest machine.  The connection was above and to the left
of
the operator station.  Although the rubber hose was elevated, the pipes
were
free standing and not attached to a wall for stability.  The connection
was not
protected from leaking from vibration or impact with the iron pipes.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct is to:
(a) Install a proper iron pipe connection to replace the flexible hose in
accordance
with NFPA 54, ANZI Z223.1-2002 National Fuel Gas Code, Section 8.5.1
"Connecting Gas
Equipment", 2002 Edition.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item.

Issued

Aug 11, 2004

Abate by

Aug 19, 2004

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,000 Reduced