Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001B 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 February 29, 2024, in the blending room(s), employees were required to add products to blender(s) and conduct cleaning operations. Employees required to work in the blending operations were exposed to Particulates, Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR), Total Dust, at a Time Weighted Average of 19.5 - 24.2 milligrams per meter cubed (mg/m3), approximately 1.3 - 1.7 times the OSHA PEL of 15 mg/m3. In the blending room(s), general methods of control applicable in these circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Implement engineering controls including the installation of dust collection system(s) to be used for collecting particulates generated during the process of loading the blender(s) and compression of empty containers (bags) for disposal. 2. Provide effective local exhaust where powders are handled to remove fugitive particulates from the breathing zone of employees. 3. Prohibit cleanup of settled dust particles by use of compressed air. 4. Provide additional employee training on measures to be used to minimize dust generation while handling product and compressing empty containers (bags). 5. Administratively limit the amount of time a worker is required to perform blending operations. Dutch-American Foods, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1446174, citation number 1, item number 1b and was affirmed as a final order on May 4, 2020, with respect to a workplace located at 25393 Dixie Highway, Crete, IL 60417.