Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

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 including severe burns, in that employees were exposed to explosions, deflagration, and/or other fire hazards from three indoor dust collection systems. Employees generated combustible wood dust while sanding, grinding and buffing knife handles made of wood and metal. The sanding operation generated heat and sparks with potential to ignite the combustible wood dust as it was captured and collected by the three dust collection systems: a). The sanding machine area: On or about July 1, 2016, employees were working with a sander attached to a Dustek C500 enclosureless dust collection system. The dust collector, which recycled air-material separator exhaust into the building, was not equipped with a spark detection system. The dust collector was not placed, equipped and used in a manner safe for its indoor location. b). Burr King Grinder/Sander Area: On or about July 1, 2016, employees were working with a Burr King grinder attached to a Dustek C500 enclosureless dust collection system. The dust collector, which recycled air-material separator exhaust into the building, was not equipped with a spark detection system. The dust collector was not placed, equipped and used in a manner safe for its indoor location. c). Baldor Grinder/ Buffer Area: On or about July 1, 2016, employees were working with a Baldor grinder attached to a Dustek C500 enclosureless dust collection system. The dust collector, which recycled air-material separator exhaust into the building, was not equipped with a spark detection system. The dust collector was not placed, equipped and used in a manner safe for its indoor location.