OSHA Inspection: PUTNEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Issued

Dec 21, 2010

Abate by

Apr 22, 2011

Penalty

Initial $600

Hazardous substances 8880

General-duty citation text

21 VSA Title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-chapter 5, Section 223(a), Section 5(a)(1)
of the Occupational Safety &
Heath Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of
employment which was free
from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to employees in that
employees were exposed to incompatible chemicals stored together that can
create Sulfur Dioxide gas when
mixed, release chlorine gas, or explode when heated or oxidized.
Location: Town of Putney Wastewater Treatment Plant - Chemical storage
shed.
Violation:  The employer did not provide a safe place of employment free
from the recognized hazard of toxic
gas production or fire and explosion as a result of heating or mixing
these 2 chemicals (Sodium Bisulfite
Solution and Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (10-16w/w)), such as in the
case of a spill; thereby causing
burns to eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, skin; various physical trauma as a
result of potential explosions and death
(from either toxic gas or explosion).
Feasible and acceptable means of abatement include but are not limited to:
a)  Separating these 2 chemicals physically so no mixing can occur
b)Insulating and ventilating the building to provide better airflow and
resistence to ambient summer
temperatures
c)Eliminating this building as such and using grant monies to provide a
safer storage area incorporating
the chemical separation and heat dissipation as defined above