OSHA Inspection: OBERFIELDS, INC.

Issued

Apr 18, 1986

Abate by

May 29, 1986

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $350

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:
On or about February 18, 1986, employees were exposed to the hazards of
explosion from accumulations of dangerous mixtures of burned fuel and
air while operating concrete block curing kilns.
One feasible and acceptable method, among others, to correct this hazard
is to establish a comprehensive program of operator cleaning and kiln
maintenance which will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the
following provisions:
Instruct and train employees in the safe operation of the kiln.  This
training shall include:
a) standard kiln operating procedures;
b) functions of controls and safety devices;
c) combustion of air-gas mixtures;
d) explosion hazards; and
e) sources of ignition.
Post and make available written operating procedures to the operators.
Instructions shall include:
a) light-up procedures (including relight-up);
b) shut-down procedures;
c) emergency procedures; and
d) maintenance and testing procedures.
Establish and maintain program for the inspection and testing controls
and safety devices according to the manufacturer's instructions. Any
deficiencies noted during these inspections shall be corrected before
the kiln is allowed back in operation.