OSHA Inspection: DIAMOND COUNTRY FOODS

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Nov 10, 1988

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $100 Reduced

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:
During a sampling survey conducted on 7/19/88 and 7/20/88 for the
determination of heat stress parameters, the following over exposures
were documented. Based on the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommendations for TLV(S), light duty
activity is established as 86.0 degrees F and moderate activity is
80.1 degrees F for 1 hour of continuous work.
Operation                           TLV
or        Type Actiivty      Exposure Level     Severity
Department                      WBGT-degrees F      (XTLV)
(a) Cooker          Moderate             98.2           1.226
(b) Cooker          Moderate             92.5           1.155
(c) Cooker          Moderate             94.6           1.181
(d) Cooker          Moderate             86.0           1.074
(e) Cooker          Moderate             95.6           1.194
(f) Cooker          Moderate             96.2           1.201
(g) Broth           Moderate             90.8           1.134
(h) Broth           Moderate             86.6           1.081
(i) Blancher        Light                87.0           1.021
Such exposures may lead to the development of a serious heat induced
illness (heat stroke), as well as, syncope syndrome, heat exhaustion
and cramps, skin erruptions and behavioral disorders. The excessive
temperature(s) associated with the WBGT valves would appear not to be
seasonal, but a continuous problem based on the operations.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard might include:
1) Addition of local exhaust ventilation with adequate make-up air to
prevent a negative pressure in the workplace.
2) A revision of the work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high
WBGT's is decreased and/or the work rate is decreased and/or rest
periods are increased in length and frequency.
3) An acclimatization program for new employees and any employee
returning to a high temperature area after extended periods away
from the area.
4) A screening program to identify health conditions which could be
potentially aggravated by elevated temperatures.

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 5, 1988

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $100 Reduced

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 5, 1988

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 5, 1988

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 29, 1988

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $100 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0530

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 29, 1988

Hazardous substances 0530

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Apr 29, 1989

Hazardous substances 0530

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Nov 10, 1988

Penalty

Initial $630 · Current $100 Reduced

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Nov 10, 1988

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Nov 10, 1988

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Sep 29, 1988

Issued

Sep 23, 1988

Abate by

Oct 20, 1988