OSHA Inspection: HARMON TANK CO., INC.

Issued

Jan 30, 2007

Abate by

Mar 6, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $750 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 the condition(s) listed below:
a) On October 18, 2006, a 10,000 gallon liquefied petroleum gas tank
trailer was tested for
leaks by connecting it to an air compressor and pressurizing it with air.
The trailer contained
residual flammable hydrocarbon vapors from transporting a hydrocarbon
mixture and had not
been cleaned out or purged of these vapors prior to this operation. The
introduction of
compressed air into a pressure vessel containing flammable vapors created
a flammable
mixture, thus exposing employees to the hazards of explosion and fire.
They were thus not
assured of protection against death or serious physical harm from being
struck by flying
debris, the effects of concussion, or burns from fire.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard
is to ensure that tank trailers are purged of combustible vapors prior to
being
pressure tested.