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

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 the employer had not implemented measures to prevent employees form entering the hazardous zones around the reverbatory melt furnaces exposing employees to the hazard of contact with molten aluminum or partially solidified aluminum: a.At Central Melt West, measures were not taken to prevent employees from entering the hazardous zones around reverbatory furnaces #5-8. Entry into the area was not restricted to authorized employees. A main aisle was located adjacent to furnaces #5 and 8. Employees entering the hazardous zone were exposed to the hazard of contact with molten aluminum and partially solidified aluminum. b.At Central Melt, measures were not taken to prevent employees from entering the hazardous zones around reverbatory furnaces #5-8. Entry into the area was not restricted to authorized employees. A main aisle was located adjacent to furnaces #5 and 8. Employees entering the hazardous zone were exposed to the hazard of contact with molten aluminum and partially solidified aluminum. Feasible abatement methods could include but are not limited to: 1.Implement measures to prevent employees from entering the hazardous zones around reverbatory furnaces. 2.As recommended by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI Z241.2, paragraph E.5.2.4.1, designate the area extending from the edge of each furnace to a distance of approximately 20 feet or 5 times the diameter of the crucible (whichever is greater) radially from the center of the furnace as a hazardous zone. Outline the border of the hazardous zone with a physical barrier. 3.Designate the same safety area as described above with entrance into the area limited to authorized employees performing authorized tasks. Outline the border of the restricted area with yellow lines on the floor and signs posted to indicate that only authorize employees wearing appropriate personal protective equipment shall enter the hazardous area. 4.As outlined by ANSI Z241.2, designate which employees will be authorized to enter the hazardous zone around the furnaces. Specify the tasks for which each of these employees will be responsible. Restrict access to the hazardous zone to the authorized entrants and allow them to enter only to perform the designated authorized tasks. 5.Ensure that all authorized personnel, including furnace tenders, stay out of the hazardous zone around the furnace as much as possible.6.Develop, implement and enforce written procedures that include which employees are authorized to enter the zone and specify what personal protective equipment will be worn in the hazardous zone. Disclaimers: The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested by OSHA. The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all castes. The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate abatement method.