Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer 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 to employees in that employees were exposed to: On or about February 18, 1986, employees were exposed to the hazards of explosion from accumulations of dangerous mixtures of burned fuel and air while operating concrete block curing kilns. One feasible and acceptable method, among others, to correct this hazard is to establish a comprehensive program of operator cleaning and kiln maintenance which will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following provisions: Instruct and train employees in the safe operation of the kiln. This training shall include: a) standard kiln operating procedures; b) functions of controls and safety devices; c) combustion of air-gas mixtures; d) explosion hazards; and e) sources of ignition. Post and make available written operating procedures to the operators. Instructions shall include: a) light-up procedures (including relight-up); b) shut-down procedures; c) emergency procedures; and d) maintenance and testing procedures. Establish and maintain program for the inspection and testing controls and safety devices according to the manufacturer's instructions. Any deficiencies noted during these inspections shall be corrected before the kiln is allowed back in operation.