Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

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 molten metal explosions: (a) Employees at the #1 furnace were exposed to serious molten metal burns caused by charging whole bales (briquettes) of scrap aluminum which contained materials with internal cavities, and/or moisture/liquid and the bales were not separated, inspected, dried and sorted before charging into the furnace. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement, maintain and ensure that a furnace charging procedure prevents charging of scrap aluminum with internal cavities, moisture, liquids, and contaminants. In addition, a preheating/drying procedure, inspection and scrap segregation policy must be implemented to prevent future furnace explosions. The employer was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard which was contained in the Citation number 1, Item number 1a, with an issuance date of June 27, 1996. Abatement Documentation Is Required For This Item