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 fire, explosion, physical and chemical burns when operating and maintaining a molten salt bath: a. Decoating Inc., located in Shelby, OH: On or about November 22, 2010, the employer required employees to dip metal parts into an Ajax Electric Furnace which was being utilized as a 675-750 degree molten salt bath (sodium nitrate and potassium hydroxide) on a daily basis exposing employees to chemical and physical safety hazards. The employer did not assure that: 1) The operators received regularly scheduled refresher training and could demonstrate an understanding of the safe operations and maintenance of the molten salt bath, 2) An operation manual containing operating and safety procedures was readily available and near the equipment at all times, 3) A wall chart stating the salt mixture and identifying the maximum design operating temperatures was located next to the bath to assist the operator in keeping the bath operating within safe parameters, 4) The salt bath was so located or designed to contain the hot molten salt should a leak occur to prevent contact with the employee(s) in the area, combustible material or incompatible material, and 5) The observation ports over the bath were not cracked allowing for spattering and/or leaking of the molten salts. ABATEMENT NOTE: One feasible and acceptable means to abate these hazards is to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 86 "Standard for Ovens and Furnaces" (2011) Chapters 7 and 13. 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, or written records.