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

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 exposed to potential fire or explosion and deflagration due to inadequate housekeeping: (a)At the Thaw Shed/Rotary Dumper, housekeeping was not sufficiently maintained in that the employer allowed coal dust to accumulate on structural members, railings, floors and mechanical equipment to depths in excess of 1/32 inch to as much as 3/4 inch. When daily temperatures dropped below freezing, removal of accumulations of coal dust via wash down was discontinued. At the entrance to the Thaw Shed/Rotary Dumper building, radiant heaters were used to thaw coal cars. Heat from the radiant heaters has caused smoldering fires in the rail ties and the coal dust around the ties. Dust falling from the cars onto the elements of the heaters has ignited into sparks. The facility was open at both ends allowing for wind to blow through potentially creating a disturbance sufficient to suspend coal dust in the air and to cause the suspended coal dust to come into contact with smoldering fires or sparks. A sample of the coal dust was analyzed and determined to be a class II dust meaning the material is explosive. Among other methods one feasible means of abatement would be: (1)Vacuum ground floor and structural surfaces in the absence of water wash down when temperatures go below freezing. (2)Eliminate the process of thawing cars and extract as much loose coal as possible while maintaining the building and equipment as safe for Class II conditions. (3)Move the thawing process to a site outside of the Rotary Dumper building. (4) Install a dust collection system that would remove coal dust from the air before it can be dispersed throughout the building. Abatement certification and abatement document is required for this violation. Thedocumentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable measurement or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be helpful. The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citation(s).n