Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 in that employees were exposed to the condition(s) listed below: Ackerly Oil Company, Inc., dba Trio Fuels, Inc., 1007 Dallas St, Lamesa, TX, for the period of time up to and including 11/18/03, employees were allowed to transfer fuel from delivery trucks to above ground fuel storage tanks without the use of bonding and grounding devices, and were allowed to "splash fill" and switch load fuel types without sufficient training and awareness of NFPA Regulations and DOT Regulations to prevent unsafe environmental conditions. These conditions exposed employees to injuries associated with the hazards of fire and explosions such as but not limited to smoke inhalation, broken bones, concussions, severe burns, loss of sight, hearing loss and death. Among other methods, A feasible and acceptable means to correct the hazards would be to: 1. Provide adequate training to employees on the safety aspects of delivery and transfer of fuels. 2. Take immediate corrective action on items listed in th e State Fire Marshall's Report. 3. Ensure that employees receive DOT training on safe handling and transportation of flammable / combustible fuels as required. 4. Establish procedures for "bonding and grounding", "splash filling" and "switch loading" and ensure that they are complied with by employees. 5. Ensure that all employees are aware of the hazards of static discharge while transferring combustible / flammable fuels and the means of reducing this hazard.