Document 71pnz8oK8obgVRqxx1nOB9pEV

DIVISION OP Sj&zrr iND HTGIESI INDUSTRIAL COW-5ISSICN 0? OHIO September 18, I95I PLAINTIFF'S De: Prigidalre Corporation Morraine City, Ohio James H. Fluker, Superintendent Division of Safety and Hygiene Columbus, Ohio Dear Sir: On August 21, 1951, a vlc-ii vas made to the above named comoany to survey their propane installation. Contact was made with the following officials of the company: L. L. Joffe, General Foreman Manufacturing Research Laboratory, Plant No. 2; John W. Mills, Investigations Plant Trotection Department; William J. Dobbin, Assistant Engineer, Industrial Hygiene Laboratory; H. ELine, Industrial Hygiene Ihigineer; Carl H. ELemm, General Foreman Plumbing Department; Charles K. Denning, Assistant Super visor Maintenance Department, Plant No. 2; Prank O'Mara, Foreman Plumbing Department; Harry Jackson, Supervisor Safety Department, Plant No. 2; Earl Gebhart, Assistant Director, Safety Department, Frigidalre. Hr. Grant is an FIA Inspector. This company usos propane and butane when the natural gas supply is shut off. This only occurs during a gas shortage in the winter time. The liouids, propane end butane are contained in large storage tanks located above ground at a safe distance from any operating building. There are ten tanks. These tanks are continually sprayed with water in the summer months. The sorayirg of water acts two-fold. It prevents high temperatures on the tank, thus lowering the Internal pressure. It also is a source of water in case of fire at or in one of the tanks. The propane end butane are pumped to a vaporising house wherein they are changed into a gaseous state by means of heat. This heat is in the form of steam. The g&s then eaters the various building} through pipes where it I3 used chiefly at heating and drying furnaces. Practically all of the Joints on large steel pipes are welded. There are some Joints at elbows and also nitrles connected to valves, whicha-e threaded. The threads are coated with a special type pipe cement, which will not harden, in other ords, it stays in a plastic state. All the small case iron piping is connected by threads -- <L -- When propane was used, the rnployees not^d that sone leaks ware present in the llnee in the operating buildings. These leaks were quickly repaired* It vs? easy to identify leaks due to the fact that the propane is odorized v;ith a natprial called ethyl nercaptan. This substance produces an odor of rotten cabbage. If it were not for this odor, leaks could not be quickly identified. The writer will never make a statement that he believes a propane in sulation to be absolutely safe. However, the Frigidaire Company has, in the writer's opinion, checked every possible source which might lead to a fire or explosion. They have highly trained men for the propane operations . and in case these men are absent, there are others who are capable of handling such. The fire department is veil informed of the dangers of propane and the guard force is well aware of the hazards. There are no specific recommendations to be made, but the writer wonders why an air-hose would be present in a vaporizor house. If it is not necessary for some specific operation, then it should be removed. Proa the number of men contacted by the writer. It is quite evident that the Frigidaire Corroany is vitally interested in the safety of their propane and butane ooerntionc. The writer wishes to thank the management for the courtesy and cooperation extended to him while surveying this plant. Pespectfu'!y submitted Don Hanna Safety Advisor