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 or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: (a) Press Room: On or about 8/2/94, employees were exposed to an explosion hazard due to the accumulation of flammable vapors during the operation of Press #8. Among other methods, acceptable abatements would be to install automatic fast sensing devices to detect and collect flammable vapor levels. The set points for the device should be lowered below the lower explosive level (LEL) and there should be a visual as well as audible alarming system to indicate that the set points have been exceeded. The inspection and calibration of these sensing devices should be done frequently and documented. Install a new drive system to better control the tension of the rollers to reduce solvent build-up. Install an automatic device to prevent the dryer fans from shutting down until the oven temperature is reduced to a safe level. In addition, redesign the oven to eliminate any ignition source with flames and also install a static discharge system to reduce the possibility of sparks. Inspection and maintenance of the duct work, dampers, control systems and exhaust fans should be conducted and documented on a scheduled basis. Testing for fuel leakage should also be conducted and documented on a scheduled basis. OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(I): Adequate precautions against the ignition of flammable vapors were not taken: (a) Press Room: The employer did not take adequate precautions against the ignition of flammable vapors from Press #8 containing flammable solvents, exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards.