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 severe burns from violent steam and salt eruptions or explosion when immersing parts with sealed containments into a super heated salt solution containing caustic alkalis: a)On and prior to February 10, 2010, employees were exposed to a violent explosion and/or eruption when immersing used military trailer hitch components with sealed containments into a heated (approximately 850 degree F) molten salt bath dip tank containing oxidizing and corrosive materials to remove paint. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct this hazard is to follow the Kolene Company manual information for "Safety in Molten Salt Bath Operations": The manufacturer states in Section V, paragraph D, Specific Operations; "Never immerse hollow tubing or closed cavity dies or parts having blind holes in molten salt, unless they are vented and thoroughly dry inside. The same precaution of dryness applies to all parts". Abatement Certification and Abatement Documentation required.