OSHA Inspection: HARSCO - AMERICAN WELDING & TANK

Issued

Jan 26, 2007

Abate by

Jan 31, 2007

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

Hazardous substances 2150

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 explosion hazard by removing a valve
from a propane
tank inside a building with ignition sources:
(a)  Harsco - American Welding and Tank, 721 Graham Drive, Fremont Ohio:
On or about
October 31, 2006, an employee brought a 500 gallon propane tank into the
repair and
refurbishment building.  The employee did not ensure that the tank was
free of propane gas.
The employee did not flare off the contents of the tank nor did the
employee remove at least
one valve from the tank before bringing it into the building.  While in
the building, the
employee removed the pressure relief valve and propane gas was released
and the gas was
ignited.  The employee received thermal burns on this hands and face.  One
method
of
abatement is to require a second person to verify the tank has been flared
and ensure that a
valve has been removed from the tank before the tank is transported into
the repair and
refurbishment building.
No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.