Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard: DUST&FUMES

T.C.A. 50-3-105(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, on and before 2/14/08, employees were exposed to potential explosions at the Cadmium Plant. Employees worked on a platform approximately 7 ft above, and in locations adjacent to, the cadmium purification process. An explosion occurred in cadmium tank 14023 on 2/14/08, which resulted in damage to the tank and the equipment located on the platform above the tank. The employer had not taken measures to evaluate or control employee exposure to the hazard of explosion due to the generation of excess hydrogen gas during the cadmium purification process as evidenced by the following: a) The employer had not performed a hazard assessment to determine the generation rate of hydrogen gas based upon the use of various grades of Zinc dust in reaction and the effectiveness of the current exhaust ventilation system; b) The employer had not completed a hazard assessment to determine the generation rate of hydrogen gas based upon the rate at which sulfuric acid was added to the process and the effectiveness of the current exhaust ventilation system; c) The employer had not assessed the platform to ensure all equipment was appropriate for the location in which it was used; Feasible abatement could include, but is not limited to: The performance of a hazard assessment to determine the generation rate of hydrogen gas, based upon the use of various grades of Zinc dust and the rate at which sulfuric acid is added to the process, and the installation of an adequate ventilation system. ABATEMENT VERIFICATION REQUIRED