Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003B Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d): a. On or about October 12, 2023, in the mixing room(s), employees were required to add food ingredients to a hopper(s) and containers which were subsequently transferred to a ribbon blender. Employees required to perform mixing operations were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust) at an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average of 21.1 milligrams per meter cubed (mg/m3) to 175 mg/m3, approximately 1.4 to 11.7 times the OSHA PEL of 15 (mg/m3). In the mixing room(s), general methods of control applicable in these circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Provide training to employees on measures to be used to minimize dust generation while handling product and compressing empty containers (bags). 2. Implement engineering controls including the installation of a dust collection system to be used for collecting particulates generated during the process of loading the portable hopper(s) and compression of empty containers (bags) for disposal. 3. Provide local exhaust where powders are handled to remove fugitive particulates from the employee breathing zone. 4. Prohibit cleanup of settled dust particles by use of compressed air. 5. Administratively limit the amount of time a worker is required to perform blending operations.