OSHA Inspection: R.M.I. COMPANY, SODIUM PLANT

Issued

May 8, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $700

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 likley to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
In that on and before February 13,1990, employees were exposed to the
hazards of potential sodium burns from an explosion during cell change
operations in the cell room. The procedures used to clean and dry the
sodium riser pumps were not sufficient to ensure that they were free
of moisture.
Feasible abatement methods, among others, for the "decontamination"
of the sodium riser pumps would include:
1) A method of ensuring that each pump is dried in the oven the
minimum required time.
2) A temperature gage or other other means to ensure that the oven is
operating properly and the proper temperature is maintained
throughtout the heating process.
3) A method of marking the oven so that the pumps are put in and removed
from the correct side of the oven.
4) A method of tracking the pumps throughout the decontamination process
to ensure that each step is completed.
5) Establish a new safe job procedure to reflect the changes.
6) Ensure that each affected employee is trained and has read the
procedure.
7) Enforce the established procedures.

Issued

May 8, 1990

Abate by

May 11, 1990

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced