OSHA Inspection: SUNROC CORPORATION

Issued

Jun 25, 2007

Abate by

Jun 28, 2007

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $563 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1):  The employer did not furnish
employment and a
place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were
causing or likely
to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:
a.Employees were exposed to injuries resulting from being struck by
fragments of
Schedule 40 PVC pipe, used to distribute up to 110 psi of compressed air,
which
is not recommended by the manufacturer because of heat breakdown and
potential
fragmentation.
One feasible method, among others, would be to replace the PVC pipe with a
pipe capable of withstanding compressed air distribution.
Reference: PVC manufacturers data caution and warning notices which state,
"Do
not use compressed air or gas for pressure testing", "PVC and CPVC products
are not recommended for use in compressed air or gas systems", and "the
manufacturer does not recommend its PVC or CPVC products for use in air or
compressed gas systems. PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings, and valves are
excellent
products for the transport of water and corrosive chemicals. But there are
a
number of other piping products that are especially designed and suited for
compressed air and gases", and finally, from PW Pipe, "Do not use PVC pipe
for pressurized air systems. Injury or death may result due to the
catastrophic
nature of pipe failure should failure occur. Rapid expansion of compressed
air
could propel shards of plastic through the area."h

Issued

Jun 25, 2007

Abate by

Jun 28, 2007

Issued

Jun 20, 2007

Abate by

Jul 20, 2007

Issued

Jun 20, 2007

Abate by

Jul 20, 2007

Issued

Jun 20, 2007

Abate by

Jul 20, 2007