OSHA Inspection: PRIORITY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC

Issued

Jan 11, 2010

Abate by

Jan 14, 2010

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 hazard of being struck by:
(a)  TETCO Meter Station - On or about July 12, 2009 employees were
exposed to the
hazard of being struck by high pressure gas, flying projectiles and other
debris from the
rupture of piping and pressure vessels during leak testing of gas metering
station that
were pressurized with nitrogen gas. Employees performing these pneumatic
pressure tests
were not protected from the hazards by use of:
a. Hydrostatic testing unless analysis demonstrate that hydrostatic
testing is not
feasible
b. Remove employees from the area
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is to:  Use hydrostatic testing when feasible as specified in ASME
B31.1-2007,
move non-essential employees to a safe distance as specified in
Midcontinent Express
document entitled "Specifications for Nitrogen Pressure Testing" and
provide physical
barrier where feasible to protect employees from flying projectiles.
Gradually increase
pressure in steps until test pressure is reached.