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

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 the condition(s) listed below: Oasis Gin Inc., 810 County Road 331, Seminole, TX. For the period of time up to and including 01/06/06, employees were not protected from electrical hazards due to the following conditions: A flexible cord was used instead of permanent wiring. This cord passed through two switch boxes without protection. Under the National Electric Code (NEC 2005), Article 547.5(D) states "Where necessary to employ flexible connections, dusttight flexible connectors, liquidtight flexible conduit, or flexible cord listed and identified for hard usage shall be used. All connectors and fittings used shall be listed and identified for the purpose." Under the National Electric Code (NEC 2005), Article 547.5(C)(1) states "Equipment enclosures, boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in areas of buildings where excessive dust may be present shall be designed to minimize the entrance of dust and shall have not openings (such as holes for attachment screws) through which dust could enter the enclosure. One feasible and acceptable abatement method would be to ensure all electrical equipment is installed / maintained in accordance with Article 547 of the National Electric Code. "Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19(d), the employer must provide documentation that this violation has been abated within 10 calendar days after the abatement date."ent