OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
December 13, 1990
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
THOMAS J. SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Updated Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on the Use of
Thermoplastic Pipe in Above Ground Locations |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood safety and health
hazards, and/or inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques and
engineering controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by
the field staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers and the public. Information is compiled based on a
comprehensive evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination
with appropriate parties. HIBs do not necessarily reflect OSHA policy.
On May 20, 1988, the Directorate of Technical Support issued a safety hazard
information bulletin on the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe for
transporting compressed gases in above ground installations. We pointed out
that the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), in its Recommendation B dated January
19, 1972, recommended against the use of thermoplastic pipe for transporting
compressed gases in above ground plant piping installations unless the
thermoplastic pipe were properly encased.
The Seattle Regional Office has brought to our attention that another type
of thermoplastic pipe, namely impact resistant
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) pipe, resists shatter-type failures
under known sizing, pressure and environmental conditions.
The Plastics Pipe Institute has revised its Recommendation B as of December
1, 1989, and recommends that piping need not be buried or encased with
shatter-proof materials if the piping has been manufactured from materials
which will resist shatter-type failures under anticipated conditions. The
determination of a material's failure by shattering involves not only the
nature of the material, but also the consideration of in-use pressure, pipe
and fitting dimensions, and the nature of the gas. Therefore, above ground
piping for compressed gases must conform with the pipe manufacturer's
specifications and limitations for proper use and must be designed based on a
thorough evaluation of the system.
Please disseminate this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Projects.
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