OSHA Inspection: WESTERN METALS RECYCLING, LLC

Issued

Jun 3, 2016

Abate by

Jun 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(1)(i): When the object to be welded or cut could not be readily moved, all movable fire hazards in the vicinity were not taken to a safe place:  (a) On or about January 24, 2016, and at times prior, Western Metals Recycling, L.L.C, did not ensure that employees of Canyon Commercial Construction, Inc., torch cutting subcontractor, were protected from fire hazards from the hydraulic oil in the rail car coupling cushioning unit.  Torch cutters are provided oxy-propylene torches that burn at 5295 degrees F.  They were tasked to cut scrap flat bed rail cars to size for recycling and instructed to cut the cushioning units off of the rail cars for refurbishing.  Often the cushioning units on the rail cars still contain hydraulic oil, which will ignite at 424 degrees F.    A torch cutter was removing the bolts from the frame around a coupling cushion from which the hydraulic oil had not been removed.  The torch flame cut the cushion.  The pressurized hydraulic oil was ejected from the hole, ignited by the torch flame, and engulfed the worker in a fire ball.  He sustained second degree burns on his back, back of the legs, back of his ears, and his left fingers.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").