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

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 the electric arc furnace was operated while kicks were regularly occurring, resulting in the potential for explosion: a) Melt Shop, D-Furnace- The employer continuously operated the electric arc furnace while throughout the decarburization process kicks resulting from high levels of carbon reacting with oxygen were frequently occurring. The occurrence of these "kicks" can result in a violent reaction between carbon and oxygen that creates carbon monoxide and the potential for explosion. Despite the occurrence of these "kicks" the employer continued operation of the furnace while failing to take steps to mitigate against the occurrence of the "kicks" and to protect employees from a potential explosion. On May 23, 2013, three employees received serious burn injuries when a "kick" occurred and threw hot slag from the furnace. Feasible means of abatement include but are not limited to: (1) Implementation of standardized practices and procedures for charge carbon and high carbon scrap. (2) Monitor and improve burner usage to ensure even heats. (3) Development and implementation of written procedures for stabilizing the furnace during the occurrence of a "kick".