OSHA Inspection: KK MECHANICAL

Issued

Aug 25, 2009

Abate by

Sep 10, 2009

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

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 the hazard of "struck by" a steel end cap and coupler
assembly from a pipe
undergoing pressure testing.
a)  KK Mechanical, 750 Hospital Loop, Craig, CO:  On or about April 21,
2009, an employee was seriously injured after being struck by a metal end
cap
and coupler assembly that separated from a six (6) inch pipe undergoing a
pressure test. The new pipe installation was located in area 3 on the
first floor of
the new hospital, and undergoing a pressure test with approximately 80 psi
of
compressed air when it failed. The injured employee was performing a job
task
unrelated to the pressure test.
b)  KK Mechanical, 750 Hospital Loop, Craig, CO:  On or about April 21,
2009,
an
employee was seriously injured after being struck by a metal end cap and
coupler
assembly that separated from a six (6) inch pipe undergoing a pressure
test. The Grinnell
brand (figure 772) coupler had not been secured according ot the
manufacturer's
specification to provide 100-130 lbs/ft. of torque for adequate attachment.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this hazard is to adopt the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
B31.1-2007 code for pressure piping.  Section 137 titled Pressure Tests
states in
paragraph 137.1.3 that suitable precautions in the event of piping system
rupture
shall be taken to eliminate hazards to personnel in the proximity of lines
being
tested.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (See
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").