Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: DUST&FUMES

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 fire and explosion hazards associated with the buildup of combustible sugar dust: a) for the establishment located at 7578-B President's Dr in Orlando (FL). The horizontal and vertical surfaces around the silos had a buildup of more than 1/4-inch to 3/4-inches of a Class 2 combustible sugar dust, as observed on or about 07/09/2009. The surfaces included the beams, joists, equipment, west wall, and slightly on the floor. No explosion relief panels were distributed along the exterior walls and roof of the area. b) for the establishment located at 7578-B President's Dr in Orlando (FL). The dust collector was located inside of the building (5-feet from an exterior wall) and vented to the interior of the building, as observed on or about 07/09/2009. This allowed for the sugar dust to be exhausted inside the facility. No explosion relief venting was installed on the dust collector, and no explosion suppression system was in place in accordance with NFPA 69. c) for the establishment located at 7578-B President's Dr in Orlando (FL). The ventilation ducts for the two sugar silos were connected to the dust collector with flexible tubing which was not electrically conductive and bonded/ grounded with the rest of the system, as observed on or about 07/09/2009. ABATEMENT NOTE:(s) Among other methods, means of feasible and acceptable abatement include compliance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 61 "Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities" (2008) edition, and NFPA 69 "Standard on Explosion PSystems" 2008 edition. These requirements include but may not be limited to: 1) Initiation of a housekeeping program to limit accumulation of dust to 1/32 in. on all surfaces, including but not limited to joists, beams, equipment, floors, and walls. 2) Installation of explosion relief panels, distributed along the walls and roof of the 22 by 33 ft. area surrounding the silos. 3) Installation of explosion relief venting on the dust collector and venting to ensure that explosion pressures will not rupture the ductwork of the collector, and vent the collector to the outside of the building through straight ducts not exceeding 20 ft. 4) Assurance that pneumatic conveying system is equipped with bonding and grounding systems which are inspected, maintained and proven effective.