Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 Hazard:

1960.8(a): The head of each agency 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, in that employees were exposed to struck-by and burn hazards associated with high-pressure steam water hammer events: Location: 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT. On or about November 13, 2020 and going forward, employees were exposed to struck-by and burn hazards in that the facility's steam system was not operated or maintained in such a way as to protect employees from the danger of an uncontrolled release of steam and flashing condensate caused by clogged steam traps and defective steam trap mechanisms due to steam flash or corrosion, which prevented the condensate from passing through the traps and safely dissipating. Feasible and acceptable means to correct this hazard involve, implementing site specific procedures for the West Haven Campus to adhere to VHA Directive 1810(1) Boiler and Boiler Plant Operations Policy of 2018, and not limited to the following sections thereof below: 1. Ensure condensate return systems, and components thereof are being periodically tested to ensure their proper function as per Appendix A 1.b. 2. Implement a written steam conservation program that focuses particularly on maintaining steam traps, condensate pumps, and the integrity of piping systems and pipe insulation as per Appendix A 1.j. 3. Ensure steam and condensate leaks and other necessary repairs are reported to the boiler plant supervisor and given a high priority as per Appendix A 1.j. 4. Ensure boiler plant operations are being overseen by qualified persons that have met the requirements as a Boiler Plant Operator, WG-5402 as described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification standard as per section 4f.