Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 007 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1053(h)(1): The employer allowed dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica and wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure were feasible and/or allowed the use of compressed air to clean, without the use of a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air: a)Atlanta Kitchen Inc., Decatur, GA - On or about 2/12/19, and times prior to, employees were required to dry polishing granite counter tops that contains 20%-50% silica. The employer allowed dry sweeping with a broom to clean the floors creating silica dust. b)Atlanta Kitchen Inc., Decatur, GA - On or about 2/12/19, and times prior to, employees were using compressed air to clean clothing, equipment, and machinery from dry granite dust containing silica and the compressed air was not used in conjunction with a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air, as required by 1910.0153(h)(2). In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).