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: Employees working in the polishing area were exposed to fire and explosion hazards for the following instances: a)Employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards in that the dust collection system air-material separator was located inside the building and not provided with explosion venting systems. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazards is to locate the air-material separator outside of the building as referenced in paragraph 7.13.1.1.1 of NFPA 654, Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2006 Edition. b)Employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards in that the dust collection system was not provided a means of isolating equipment in the event of an explosion in the air-material separator to prevent deflagration propagation between pieces of equipment connected by ductwork. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to install fast acting valve systems in accordance with NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems. This paragraph is referenced in paragraph 7.1.4.1 of NFPA 654, Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2006 Edition. 29 CFR 1903.19(d)(1) requires certification and documentation that the abatement of the above violation is completed.