Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 Hazard: DUST&FUMES

Labor and Employment Article, Section 5-104(a): 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: (a)Date of Violation:08/02/11 Location:Sanding/Grinding Room Equipment:Donaldson Torit ECB-3 Condition:Employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards from the generation of combustible fines while grinding, sanding, and buffing a variety of aluminum metal parts. In the Environmental Control Booth the aluminum dust was collected with a dry type collection system located inside which recirculated the air back into the work area. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to relocate the dry type dust collection system outside the building in a safe location. Perform a process hazard analysis/assessment on sanding aluminum products and the dust collection systems. Obtain a certification verifying the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of aluminum explosive/combustible dust collection system meets all applicable standards including, but not limited to, NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals, 2009 Edition. (b)Date of Violation:08/02/11 Location:Outside Rear of Building Equipment:Dustkop and Mistkop Cyclone Collector Model #20T31-D1-SP Condition:Employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards from the generation of combustible aluminum dust while sanding aluminum sheet metal parts with the dry type Time Saver Machine connected to a cyclone collector located outside the building. Dust collector was not properly bonded and grounded, lacked proper deflagration venting, lacked an abort valve, was not emptied daily, and lacked proper filter maintenance for dust collector. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to verify the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the aluminum dust collection system meets all applicable standards including, but not limited to, NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals, 2009 Edition and NFPA 69 Standard on Explosive Prevention Systems 2008 Edition. Abatement documentation (photogrpahs, receipts, copies of programs, training certification, etc.) is required for this item.