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

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 the hazard of combustible dust fires/explosions: In the following locations, combustible cob dust was not adequately contained within process equipment. Ignition sources such as hot surfaces, open flame and non-Class 2 rated electrical equipment were located in the work area: A.Rubber Room: Parts were dried using cob in an open top Roto Finish vibratory bowl, serial number 20M-79 B-22. Combustible cob dust had accumulated on wall mounted foam insulation, horizontal surfaces such as an I-beam, buss bar, hoist track and mirror, on non Class 2 electrical equipment such as conduit and junction boxes, on a heating element casing and on the floor, barrels and vent hose. B.Hardening Shop: Parts were dried using cob in an open top Sweco Finishing Mill, serial number 24FM-1178-46DF. Combustible cob dust had accumulated on the walls, wall ledge, light fixtures, a hoist block, ductwork and piping. Molten salt bath tanks and open flame operations were located in the work area. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to: 1.Review National Fire Protection Association standard 654 Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids. 2.Enclose and properly exhaust processes that generate combustible dusts such as vibratory bowls. 3.Ensure that all electrical equipment in the work area where combustible dusts are generated and may become airborne comply with National Electric Code Class 2 requirements. 4.Remove or properly shield equipment in the combustible dust work area that exceeds maximum temperature recommendations to eliminate ignition sources.