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

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 burn hazards while cleaning the deep fryer: a) On or about August 13, 2008 and at times prior, Gruma Corp. dba Mission Foods Corp., did not ensure that employees were protected from burn hazards, in that the rubber hose used to supply heated liquids (i.e. water, oil, fryer brite, and acid cleaner 3-AB) to the deep fryer unit, had the following deficiencies: 1) The rubber hose was damaged in that the hose was cracked, had abrasions, had exposed reinforced wires, and had a loss of flexibility. 2) The rubber hose was not inspected prior to, during and after use. 3) The rubber hose was not secured with an adequate connector for the type of use. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard, would be to implement a inspection and preventive maintenance program for rubber hoses in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations and to use hose coupler connections with an adequate capacity for the job process. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").