OSHA Inspection: SNS STEEL INDUSTRIES, LLC

Issued

Mar 2, 2012

Abate by

Mar 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,000 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 the hazards of being struck by pressurized tank components:
On or about 01/16/12 Workers were using air to pressure test large
non-code vessels.  This
created an explosion hazard. Workers were exposed to the hazard of being
struck-by 10,000 lbs
of steel.
One feasible abatement method, among others, to correct this hazard is to
hydrostatically test
the vessels thus greatly reducing the kinetic energy released in the event
of test failure.
Reference:  Copper HMSO publication GS4, paragraph 5(a)...Proof pressure
testing should only
be carried out hydraulically and the pressure applied gradually until the
specified
test pressure
is reached or until significant yielding of any part of the pressure
equipment occurs.
Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date
of this citation, the
employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with
the standard,
including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that compressed
air is not used to
pressure test vessels.

Issued

Mar 2, 2012

Abate by

Mar 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced