Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001D 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 the hazards of being burned due to the ignition of pyrotechnic shells. At the fireworks barge #D930687, on or about 07-03-97, one employee was exposed to the hazards of being burned due to the ignition of four and five-inch pyrotechnic shells without maintaining a minimum distance of 75 feet. This employee was igniting the shells electronically from approximately ten feet away. Suitable barriers were not in use. One method of abatement to correct this apparent hazard is to arrange for any mortar to be a minimum of 75 feet away from any employee if it is to be fired off electronically as required by NFPA 1123, paragraph 5-1.3. DISCLAIMER: a) The employer is not limited to the abatement method(s) suggested by OSHA. b) The employer is responsible for selecting and implementing an effective abatement method. ***THIS ITEM REQUIRES A WRITTEN CERTIFICATION OF ABATEMENT***