Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005B Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.119(e)(3)(iv): The employer initial process hazard analysis (hazard evaluation) on processes covered by 29 CFR 1910.119 did not consider the consequences of failure of engineering and adminstrative controls: a) MFG Chemicals - Callahan: The PHA for Coagulate 129 failed to address the consequences of failure in administrative controls and engineering controls. The employer utilized the City of Dalton as the main source of water. The employer made no provisions for a back-up source of water or other means to mitigate a run-away reaction. Employees were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard, chemical run-away reactions and other hazardous conditions while manufacturing industrial chemicals. (Coagulate 129). 1. The loss of water can occur when there is a main water break. 2. A low water table can occur during periods of drought. 3. During winter months, water freezes and pipes burst. 4. During summer months water temperature increases and compromise the effectiveness in cooling the water. 5. Low water pressure during periods of heavy usages by the surrounding carpet industry. On May 21, 2012 a run-away reaction occurred in the D-6 reactor where Coagulate 129 was being batched. An increase in temperature of the product caused the reactor to overpressurize and resulted in an explosion. The explosion caused severe damage to the structure, equipment and an adjacent neighboring facility. Approximately 40 or more employees from neighboring companies were decontaminated and transported to local medical facilities for evaluation.