OSHA Inspection: GAS CONSULTANTS, INC.

Issued

Apr 21, 2010

Abate by

May 17, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,050 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees 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 fire hazard which could
inflict death or
serious injury due to handling natural gas vehicle fuel containers:
(a)Gas Consultants, Inc. at 501 Highway 24 S. in Leadville, CO:  On and
before January 22, 2010 the employer did not protect employees from fire
and
burn hazards who use, move, and transport natural gas vehicle fuel
containers
(NGV2-2). Two employees conduct high altitude performance tests on
appliances for the appliance manufacturer.  In doing so, the employees use,
move, and transport cylinders of compressed natural gas.  These cylinders
were intended to be mounted permanently on/in vehicles for use as vehicle
fuel.  The employer did not ensure that the container valves and pressure
relief
devices were protected from damage.  This condition resulted in a pressure
relief valve being damaged on one of the six cylinders being loaded onto a
trailer. Compressed natural gas rapidly leaked from the cylinder resulting
in a
fire which destroyed the Aspen Gold Building complex.
(b)Gas Consultants, Inc. at 501 Highway 24 S. in Leadville, CO:  On and
before January 22, 2010 the employer did not protect employees from fire
and
burn hazards who use, move, and transport natural gas vehicle fuel
containers
(NGV2-2). Two employees conduct high altitude performance tests on
appliances for the appliance manufacturer.  In doing so, the employees use,
move, and transport cylinders of compressed natural gas.  These cylinders
did
not receive periodic in-service inspections by a qualified container
inspector as
referenced in ANSI/CSA NGV2a-2001 "Basic Requirements for Compressed
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Fuel Containers".  This condition exposed
employees to fire hazards associated with using compressed natural gas
cylinders.
(c)Gas Consultants, Inc. at 501 Highway 24 S. in Leadville, CO:  On and
before January 22, 2010 the employer did not protect employees from fire
and
burn hazards who use, move, and transport natural gas vehicle fuel
containers
(NGV2-2). Two employees conduct high altitude performance tests on
appliances for the appliance manufacturer.  In doing so, the employees use,
move, and transport cylinders of compressed natural gas.  These cylinders
were not labeled in accordance with ANSI/CSA NGV2a-2001 "Basic
Requirements for Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Fuel Containers".
This condition exposed employees to fire hazards associated with using
compressed natural gas cylinders.
Abatement Note: Feasible abatement for these hazards may include the
following:
1.Permanently install the compressed natural gas cylinders in a rack
which protects the container valves and pressure relief devices from
damage.  The cylinders must be installed as required by NFPA 52"Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems".
2.Initiate and document Periodic In-Service Inspections of NGV2-2
cylinders.  The containers must be inspected at least every 36 months
for external damage and deterioration.  The inspections must be
performed and documented by a qualified container inspector in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and Compressed
Gas Association pamphlet C-6.4.  Documentation must be available to
authorities upon request.
3.The CNG cylinders must be marked with the following information:
-Marking in accordance with FMVSS 304 "Compressed Natural
Gas Fuel Container Integrity;
-NGV2-xx (xx denotes year);
-Manufacturer's part number, and batch or serial number;
-Statement "For Use Only With The Container Manufacturer's
Approved Pressure Relief Devices and Valves".
Containers without labels, or with illegible labels, must be removed
from service.
Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for
this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").

Issued

Apr 21, 2010

Abate by

May 17, 2010

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $315 Reduced