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

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 of likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: a) On or about 9/12/90, employees were exposed to the hazard of fire and/or explosion while engaged in harvesting silicon carbide from an electrical induction furnace. Complete plans of remodeling existing equipment, sequence of operations and specifications were not submitted for approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to have plans drawn and show detail for approval to the authority having jurisdiction, such as the stipulated by National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, Number 86, 1985 Edition, and subsequent updated NFPA 86, Section 1.5 Approval, Plans and Specifications. essential elements for this procedure would include: 1) Have plans drawn and show all essential details as to locations, construction, ventilation, piping and electrical safety equipment. 2) Provide wiring diagrams and sequence of operations for all safety controls. 3) If deviations are made from the referenced standard, special permission is required from authority having jurisdiction. 4) Ensure that all wiring in and around furnaces is in accordance with National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 where it may be required to provide greater safety of the installation under the code, and it shall meet with the approval of all parties having jurisdiction.