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 fire and explosion hazards from accululated falmmable, combustible and/ or explosive gases and dusts during planned and unplanned shutdowns of the WFI bark and sludge drying system: On or about 07/16/90 at 6:35am - An explosion occurred in the WFI bark and sludge drying system, causing extensive structural and equipment damage. The following conditions/deficiences existed at the time of the explosion: 1) Neither the IP company shutdown procedures nor the manufacturer's shutdown procedures were followed when the WFI bark and sludge drying system was shutdown during the night of 07/15/90 and 07/16/90. 2) There were no specific written or verbal procedures on how to deal with fires and plug-ups that were frequently occurring in the WFI bark and sludge drying system. 3) There was inadequate explosion venting in place in the WFI bark and sludge drying system. 4) A capibility for periodically venting/purging the atmosphere in the WFI bark and sludge drying system was not in place for use during planned and unplanned shutdowns. 5) A flammable and combustible gas detection and warning system was not in place in the WFI bark and sludge drying system. 6) Employees were inadequately trained in system shutdown procedures and in procedures for dealing with fires and plug-ups that were frequently occurring in the WFI bark and sludge drying system. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is to design and install a venting/purging capability for the system; install adequate explosion venting and a flammable and combustible gas detection and warning system and to develop and implement specific written procedures for dealing with fires and plug-ups in the system and to thoroughly train employees in these procedures.