Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 300603099
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 02/19/1997 X
Initial Penalty: $7,000.00
Current Penalty: $7,000.00
Issuance Date: 02/13/1997
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 5
Related Event Code (REC): A
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0524530
Contest Date:
Final Order:
Emphasis:
Text For Citation: 01 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: ..the hazard of being burned by intense heat and fire from molten magnesium vapor which escaped from casting pot(s) due to lack of maintaining control and "tending" of pots containing magnesium compounds from initial firing (heating) of the pots through the casting process until shut down of the operation. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be..... 1. Establish a comprehensive training program for all employees exposed to magnesium in the workplace ensuring that each employee recognize potential safety and health hazards when handling and using magnesium in solid, particulate, and molten states. 2. Establish safe operating procedures for initial firing (heating) of the casting pots, temperature controls, and maintenance of the pots throughout the entire casting process through shut-down of the casting unit. a) Provide adequate number of personnel to implement the safe operating procedures. b) Thoroughly train all personnel, both salaried and hourly, involved in these safe operating procedures and frequently follow up on the employees' knowledge and understanding through actual job practices. 3. Establish a system for documenting and recording pertinent information regarding the entire casting operation from start-up (firing) to shut-down. a) Devise a log or equivalent for recording temperatures of the metal in the pots throughout the heat. b) Devise a log or equivalent for recording any/all unusual circumstances that occur from start to shut-down. Unusual circumstances would include, but are not be limited to, condition of metal in the pot, problems with thermocouples and temperature readings, all maintenance/repairs performed, covering of pots, emergency shut-downs of pots. 4. Establish mandatory communication between each shift to inform/receive all necessary information for continued safe operation from start-up to shut-down of the casting unit. a) During shift changes, assure that all documented/recorded information is given to the designated receiver( i.e. Foreman, Crew Leader, et al) on the next shift in order for the safe operation of the unit to continue.DISCLAIMER: 1. You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2. The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3. The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate abatement method.
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