MATT DRISCOLL: VIOLATIONS LED TO OCTOBER EXPLOSION >>>

$19,200 is a lot of money. There’s no denying it.

However, a value cannot be placed on human life. If it could, it would no doubt be higher than $19,200.

After an investigation, today the Department of Labor and Industries announced Tacoma’s Atlas Casting and Technology has been cited for three “serious violations of workplace safety and heath regulations.” These violations led to the massive explosion that killed a truck driver at Atlas last October. A fourth violation was added to the list, though L&I says it had no role in the explosion.

The suggested penalty for these violations is the aforementioned $19,200.

According to today’s announcement from the Department of Labor and Industries:

“The L&I investigation found that at the time of delivery, Atlas  workers repaired the foundry’s damaged LP-gas fill hose, attaching the fill nozzle using fasteners that were not designed to withstand pressurized LP gas. The delivery driver took the improperly repaired fill hose and began to unload the LP gas. Within seconds, the hose detached from its connection to the truck’s tank, allowing LP gas to rapidly flow from the open valve and fill the air with the explosive gas.

In less than a minute the LP gas ignited, and the first explosion engulfed the truck and fill area. Eight minutes later, the heated tanker truck exploded, causing a second and larger explosion.”

Atlas Casting and Technology has been officially cited with these offenses:

- Not properly training employees on the repair and maintenance of pressurized LP-gas systems.

- Using hose connections that were not rated for LP-gas service and would not withstand the pressure.

- Not testing the repaired hose after assembly to ensure it was free from leaks under normal use.

- Not having a shutoff valve with means of remote control to protect against uncontrolled discharge of LP gas from piping close to the point where the piping and hose connected. (L&I says this violation didn’t play a role in October’s explosion.)

Atlas Casting and Technology has 15 days to appeal the citation.

(Update 4:24 p.m.) The News Tribune is reporting Atlas has appealed the citation.