OSHA Inspection: ALABAMA PINE PULP COMPANY, INC.

Issued

May 27, 1992

Abate by

May 30, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
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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 hadard of being scalded with hot stock solution that overflowed from
the Primary Screen Reject Tank (PSRT), on or about January 18,1992:
(a) The manhole cover on the PSRT had been bent backwards
against one of its supporting bolts and allowed to remain
open.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to periodically check the manhole cover to assure
that it is closed.
(b) The overflow line on the PSRT would get plugged and would
cause the hot stock solution inside the PSRT to rise at
aboue normal levels.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to either increase the size of the overlfow line
or to install additional overflow lines.
(c) The automatic interlocks on the PSRT were not properley operating/
connected in order to prevent additional hot stock from enetering
the PSRT in the event of a malfunction.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to repair/re-connect the automatic interlocks on
the PSRT.
(d) There was no audible or visual alarm available in Area 46 to
alert employees of the need to evacuate in case of emergency.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to install audible and/or visual alarms in Area
46.
(e) No warning signs and/or barricades had been placed in Area
46 around the PSRT to alert employees working nearby of
problems with the PSRT'S roof that company officals assumed
it was cracked.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to place warning signs and/or barricades around
the affected area and proceed to inspect tanks' roofs that are suspected
to be cracked.
(f) The control room operators of Alabama pine Pulp were not
aware of the presence of contractor/subcontractor employees,
and therefore could not alert them of the problems Area 46
was experiencing.
Among other methods, one feasible and accepatable method to correct this
hazard is to establish a procedure which will allow control room operators
to know what other employees, besides mill employees, are present, and at
what areas.