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

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/explosion hazards: The following listed conditions exposed employees at the workplace to hazards of fire and explosions: a)On or about September 13, 2002, employee(s) working in the distillery section of the building were exposed to fire/explosion hazards. The manhole cover at the bottom of the A-Still absorption column was left open, allowing flammable alcohol vapors to escape. b)On or about September 27, 2002, employees(s) working on track 753 of the Gluten/Starch department receiving area were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard. Adequate means were not taken to prevent static electricity. During the transfer process, ignition of flour dust occurred resulting in an explosion. c)Employees working in the still houses were exposed to fire/explosion hazards. Alcohol vapors were vented inside of the building. A engineering evaluation of the operation and application of sound fire protection and process engineering principles was not conducted to analysis the emergency release of alcohol vapors from the process. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is: a) Develop and implement complete standard operating procedures for A-Still in accordance with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Guidelines for Writing Effective Operating and Maintenance Produces. b) Bond the transport vehicle tank and receiving holding tank in accordance with NFPA 61 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities 2002 Edition. c) Preform analysis of hazard or vent alcohol vapors to the outside building in accordance with NFPA 30. 29 CFR 1903.19(c)(2) abatement of the above violation was verified at the time of inspection, no certification is required.tion