OSHA Inspection: MUSTANG ENGINEERING, L.P.

Issued

Jan 11, 2010

Abate by

Jan 14, 2010

Penalty

Initial $49,500 · Current $7,000 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 hazard of being struck by:
(a)  TETCO Metering 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 stations that
were pressurized with nitrogen gas. Employees on site during these
pneumatic
pressure
tests were not protected from the hazards by the 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 (liquid) testing when feasible as specified
in ASME B31.1-
2007, move non-essential employees to a safe distance as specified in the
Midcontinent
Express document entitled "Specifications for Nitrogen Pressure Testing"
and provide a
physical barrier where feasible to protect employees from flying
projectiles. Gradually
increase pressure in steps until test pressure is reached.