Recently OSHA issued a General Duty Clause citation for “overhead process piping not properly secured causing excessive vibration” and the standard they referenced was
2007 National Board Inspection Code Part II, Section 2, Inspection 2.4.4(d)
The citation was classified as “serious” and came with an $11,934 fine.
Citation 1 Item 1
Type of Violation: Serious; $11,934
OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 from overhead process piping not properly secured causing excessive vibration:
On or about August 28, 2018, the employer did not comply with 2007 National Board Inspection Code 2 Part II Section 2 Inspection 2.4.4(d) Piping should be externally inspected for the following: Past or present evidence of excessive vibration or cyclic activity such as loose or missing piping supports or piping insulation. If such activity is present, piping and piping joints should be inspected for potential fatigue cracking.
Employees were exposed to explosion and struck-by hazards outside and behind the production area, when pressurized process piping used to supply steam from boilers was not secured properly causing excessive vibration and high-pressure water leaks.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is outlined in the 2007 National Board Inspection Code Part II Section 2 Inspection – Detailed requirements of in-service inspection of pressure-retaining items. [2.4.4(d)]. Piping should be externally inspected for the following: Past or present evidence of excessive vibration or cyclic activity such as loose or missing piping supports or piping insulation. If such activity is present, piping and piping joints should be inspected for potential fatigue cracking.