OSHA Inspection: TEXAS ENERGY SERVICE

Issued

Jan 31, 2007

Abate by

Feb 20, 2007

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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 being struck by flying debris:
a) On or about August 27, 2006, employees were exposed to a struck by
hazard while inspecting
an air leak from the hatch of a pressurized bulk tanker's compartment
while under pressure. The
tanker was not depressurized before attempting to repair the air leak. No
written procedures or
training were developed to instruct the exposed employees as to how to
conduct inspections,
troubleshoot, and service of the bulk tankers. Among other ways, one
feasible and acceptable
means to abate this hazard is to develop a system of procedures and
training to instruct
employees that once an air leak as been identified, from a safe distance,
the tank must be
depressurized. The manufacturer's operating instruction manual cautions
the
exposed employees
to a struck by hazard associated with servicing the equipment while
pressurized. The manual
states, "Danger, to prevent possible injury or death do not open manways
or access openings
when tank is under pressure".

Issued

Jan 31, 2007

Abate by

Feb 8, 2007