Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 003 Hazard: EXPLOSION

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 fire and explosion hazards: a) First Floor, Mixing Area - A 15 horsepower "Hockmeyer" mixer of oil-base paint, mixer M20 with 80 gallons of flammable (xylene) paint, and a 15 horsepower "Hockmeyer" mixer with 200 gallons of flammable (xylene) paint were uncovered, allowing vapors to freely form explosive mixtures with air, on or about December 11, 1991. b) Second Floor, 30 Horsepowere "Hockmeyer" Mixer - A 20 gallon batch of flammable paint in a 100 gallon mixing tank was covered with cardboard, on or about January 29, 1992. c) Second Floor, M24 Mixer - A 55 gallon drum of solvent (xylol), approximately 1/3 full, was being used to clean the mixer blades, without a cover, on or about January 28, 1992. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to use mixers of the enclosed type or to provide open mixers with properly fitted covers made of a nonferrous spark-resistant material.