OSHA Inspection: OILTANKING HOUSTON, L.P.

Issued

2012-10-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-10-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer does not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from the recognized hazards of struck-by and burn hazards which are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.    This violation occurred on or about June 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012, near tank 80-7, where an employee was exposed to struck-by and burn hazards while working near a pipe that was being welded that contained a flammable material.  The pipe had not been periodically tested for hazardous gasses, fumes, and vapors.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation describing the actions it is taking to ensure that pipes/containers are tested for hazardous gasses, fumes, and vapors periodically to ensure that the pipe/container and work area are safe during welding.

Issued

2012-10-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-10-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(3)(i):  Welding, cutting, or other hot work was performed on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers that had not been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain there were no flammable materials present or any substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors.    The employer does not thoroughly clean containers that have contained or could produce a flammable or toxic substance when heated, before welding or hot work is performed.  This violation was occurred on or about June 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012, on a 24 inch pipe at tank 80-7 where employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards when working near a pipe containing crude oil that was being welded.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, 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 employees are protected from fires and explosions when welding on containers that have contained flammable material or any other substance that could produce flammable or toxic vapors when heated.