Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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) SONAT Metering Station - On or about July 15, 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 performing pressure test were not protected from the hazards by the use of: 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) SONAT Metering Station - On or about July 15, 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 performing pressure test 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 physical barrier where feasible to protect employees from flying projectiles. Gradually increase pressure in steps until test pressure is reached.