FACT: Most flammable liquid vapors have a Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of less than 1 millijoule (mJ). Most of us do not even feel static which is less than 15 mJ. So the amount of energy necessary to ignite most flammable vapor atmospheres is not even observable by humans.
At 6:15 p.m. on October 30, 2020, an employee, 38, working for a natural gas distributor was using a hand hose to transfer diesel fuel from one tank trailer to another using a cell previously filled with gasoline. During the transfer, the employee was standing on top of the tanker checking the port when the gas ignited creating a flash.
The employee fell 12 feet off the tanker to the concrete pavement below when the flash occurred.
The employee had not followed the company procedure requiring bonding to prevent a static charge ignition source.
The employee sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his face, neck, arms, chest and upper torso.
The employee was hospitalized with 35% to 40% of his body burned and lung distress.
The employee was admitted for two months to undergo skin grafting and required continued therapy and medical treatment to his right arm.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | |||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | Citation Type | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Other | 3203(A)(2) | 04/29/2021 | $750 | $750 | Z – Issued | |||
| 2. | 01002 | Other | 6775(A) | 04/29/2021 | $750 | $750 | Z – Issued | |||
| 3. | 01003 | Other | 1670(A) | 04/29/2021 | $750 | $750 | Z – Issued |
Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1506289.015