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

29 CFR 1910.124(b)(4)(i):Mechanical ventilation did not conform to ANSI Z9.2-1979, Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Systems: Sulfuric Acid Tank (A4) and Pre Clean Finish Line Tanks (D9 - D18): On or about February 24, 2022, mechanical ventilation for slotted hoods that were installed at dip tanks to capture process emissions from dipping and coating operations, did not conform with ANSI Z9.2-1979 design and operational requirements. Ductwork connections from the main duct branched out to Tank A4 and to individual exhaust hoods at D9 through D18, producing poor air flow at the face of the hood. The tanks contained various chemicals including, but not limited to, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, nitric acid, and ammonium persulfate. Employees were exposed to acute symptoms such as irritation of the nose and throat. Some of the following deficiencies were observed in the ductwork design: a) Branches at the pre clean line did not enter at gradual expansions and were not at an angle of 30 degrees or less. b) Branches entered directly opposite each other at the main duct. c) Branching at the A4 Sulfuric acid tank, which lead into an expanded main duct that branched off into slotted hoods D9 through D18, disturbed the transport velocity of contaminants through the exhaust system resulting in expansion losses.