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 an explosion hazard because isolation devices were not provided to prevent deflagration propagation between pieces of equipment. a)In the Airlay # 3 area on or about 09/18/2008: While employees manufacture textile pads, they are at risk of death or serious physical injury in the event of a natural gas explosion or fire in the thermal oxidizer (incinerator) traveling back through the ductwork and into the textile airlay oven [AL3] where combustible cotton fiber and phenolic resin products and residue are present. NFPA 654 "Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids - 2006" section 7.1.4.1 requires that where an explosion hazard exists, isolation devices shall be provided to prevent deflagration propagation between pieces of equipment connected by ductwork. A feasible means of abatement would be to install an isolation device such as, but not limited to: automatic fast-acting valve system(s), flame front diverter(s), or chemical isolation system(s) similar to the one installed between Airlay # 2 [AL2] and the oxidizer [RES2]. In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.