OSHA Inspection: SYBRON CHEMICALS INC.

Issued

Mar 14, 1989

Abate by

Mar 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $720

General-duty citation text

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 fire or explosion which could result in sever burns or
death. On November 23, 1988, Finishing Plant, while operating an open
chemical reactor containing methanol which was being heated above its
flash point bringing the liquid within the flammability range.
Additionally, the reactor was being charged with paraformaldehyde
prills; free falling from a "plastic" bag allowing for static
electricity build-up within the reactor and the potential for production
of sparks.
Among other methods, a feasible means of abatement is to operate the
reactor as a closed system inerting the atmosphere inside the reactor.
Additionally modify the way the paraformaldehyde is charged into the
reactor.

Issued

Mar 14, 1989

Abate by

Mar 17, 1989

Issued

Mar 14, 1989

Abate by

Mar 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $720

General-duty citation text

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 the hazard of fire or
explosion which could result in severe burns or death. Finishing Plant
#6 Reactor, the fill pipe for flammable liquids was not so designed and
instaled as to minimize the possibility of generating static
electricity.
Among other methods, a feasible means of abatement is to terminate the
fill pipe within six (6) inches of the bottom of the tank.

Issued

Mar 14, 1989

Abate by

May 14, 1989

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $560

Issued

Mar 14, 1989

Abate by

Apr 4, 1989

Penalty

Initial $210 · Current $210