On May 3, 2006, Employee #1 was in a trench (approximately 37″ deep and 44 to 46″ wide), digging dirt from around a 10″ diameter PVC water pipeline to locate a water leak. The pipeline was pressurized to approximately 125-130 psi with compressed air.
When a section of the pipe failed, Employee #1 was blown from the trench onto the upper ground surface approximately 24′ away.
He died in an ambulance while being transported to a nearby hospital.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | |||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $6,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,000 |
| Current Penalty | $4,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $4,000 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 5A0001 | 07/28/2006 | 08/03/2006 | $4,000 | $4,000 | 08/11/2006 | F – Formal Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19260021 B02 | 07/28/2006 | 08/03/2006 | $2,000 | $2,000 | 08/11/2006 | F – Formal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. |
Glenwood Water Distribution Improvement Project PVC 10″ diameter, 11/20, SDR-21 pipe was used to transport compressed air on or about May 3, 2006. A section of the pipe exploded, causing exposure to the hazard of blunt force trauma injuries. Feasible and useful methods of abatement, among others would be:
a) Prohibit the use of compressed air to perform lead tests on PVC pipelines.
b) Utilize the services of a licensed or specialized leak detection contractor capable of safely locating leaks without the use of compressed air.
c) Instruct employees on the proper precautions to be utilized when working on or in proximity to pressurized PVC pipes.