Another incident where the lack of respect for static electricity and flammable atmospheres results in severe injuries. A Teflon bristle brush generates a lot of static electricity; coupled with the low flashpoint of Naptha (73F) and we have a serious hazard.
At 5:30 a.m. on February 24, 2020, an employee, 42, was scrubbing interior surfaces of a mix tank with 1-2 gallons of petroleum naphtha using a Teflon bristle brush when a suspected static discharge ignited the flammable solvent vapor within the tank. The employee was hospitalized to treat second-degree burns to his face and hands.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 1 | 1 | |||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $8,848 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $8,848 |
| Current Penalty | $6,636 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,636 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 19100106 E06 I | 07/31/2020 | $6,636 | $8,848 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement | Citation Type |
Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1467269.015