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

29 CFR 1910.106(b)(6): In locations where flammable vapors may be present, precautions were not taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition. Sources of ignition may include open flames, lightning, smoking, hot surfaces, frictional heat, sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical), spontaneous ignition, chemical and physical-chemical reactions, and radiant heat: On or about April 17, 2023: Employees engaged in tank repairs at the Green Plains Wood River Ethanol Plant located at 140th Rd S, Wood River, Nebraska, were exposed to explosion hazards when using a handheld angle grinder to cut the bolts off the access door located on the top of the whole stillage tank. The grinder sparks ignited residual flammable vapors located in the top of the tank causing a catastrophic explosion, resulting in both employees being thrown from the tank; one employee fatality and the other with serious injuries.