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 a place of employment that was free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to hydrogen sulfide, which was causing or was likely to cause acute systemic toxicity, CNS effects (nervous system disturbances--nervous system effects other than narcosis), irritation of the eye- nose-throat-skin, and moderate irritation of the lungs: a) On or about April 22, 2004 and times prior, farrowing and gestation employees working in the Eastern Plains Farm, Ark River Farm, Buffalo Ridge Farm, Cedar Point Farm, and Deer Trail Farm were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas and experienced adverse physical symptoms such as burning eyes, difficulty breathing, and respiratory track irritation. Exposures occurred via inhalation at concentrations of 25 ppm to greater than 200 ppm. The employer may adopt any measures that are effective in reducing or eliminating employee risk of developing acute systemic toxicity, CNS effects (nervous system disturbances--nervous system effects other than narcosis), irritation of the eye-nose-throat-skin, and moderate irritation of the lungs. Examples of such measures may include: a) Where feasible, occupational exposures should be limited through the use of engineering controls to ensure employees are not exposed to harmful levels of hydrogen sulfide. Some feasible control methods include, but are not limited to: 1) Limiting flushes in the farrowing and gestation barns when employees are present. 2) Utilize increased ventilation. 3) Use water from the evaporation ponds for the flushes. 4) Repair the flush systems so they do not continually flush. 5) Examples of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) based on health effects include: NIOSH recommended exposure limits (10 ppm ceiling) and/or the American Conference of Governing Industrial Hygienist TWA (10 ppm) and STEL (15 ppm). b) While implementing engineering, administrative and work practice controls, or where such controls are insufficient to adequately reduce employee exposures, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required. Required PPE may include appropriate respiratory protection. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification