Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A 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 presented by the local exhaust ventilation system for the facility: (a) Establishment: The exhaust ventilation system for this facility had a common duct system for incompatible materials and also was not designed for the transport of solid materials, such as dusts. Additionally, a number of ventilation system modifications were made without adequately analyzing the effect these changes would have on the system. Regular maintenance/cleaning of the duct system was not conducted to remove accumulations of dust and other settled materials. Also, an adequate number of access doors or openings were not provided in the ductwork to permit inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to carefully review the chemistry and hazards of each process in the facility and install separate exhaust systems, designed with appropriate transport velocities for the type of materials being exhausted. These systems shall be designed to prevent contact between incompatible materials such as, but not limited to, organic powders, silver salts, water reactive and flammable sodium hydrosulfite, and ammonia vapors. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these exhaust systems is also necessary to prevent buildup of materials in the ducts. Any modifications or changes to the systems shall be carefully analyzed to determine their impact on safety and health in the facility. Design, operation, and maintenance of these systems shall be in accordance with ANSI Z9.2, NFPA 91, and NFPA 654. "ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM"