Source: Distinguished Programs

A mechanical contractor was performing maintenance services on a hydraulically driven conveyor system within a manufacturing facility. The system was not locked out appropriately and a hydraulic release occurred when a fitting  was removed. The hydraulic fluid was released into a drain that was situated adjacent to the system and discharged  into the onsite septic leach field. The release was required to be reported to the state’s environmental regulatory  department and regulators required sampling and cleanup of the spill. The site owner of the manufacturing facility  subsequently filed a lawsuit against the mechanical contractor for the release alleging damages in excess of  $350,000.