OSHA Inspection: ALCAN TOYO AMERICA

Issued

Feb 9, 1994

Abate by

Mar 14, 1994

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and/or 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 fire and explosion hazards.
a.  On or about August 21, 1993, employees were exposed to fire and
explosion hazards while
operating the Continental Aluminum Powder Rollo Mixer, containing foreign
material such as
a broomstick, which created friction and thereby ignited the aluminum
powder.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards
is to establish, implement and enforce adequate procedures for the
Continental mixer #74865
and for the Nitrogen Oxidant Concentration Reduction System.
Such procedures shall include, as a minimum, the following elements:
1.  Written procedures covering:
a.  The operation of the Continental mixer; including a written
description of the
interrelationship between the mixer and oxidant reduction system.
b.  The operation of the nitrogen oxidant concentration reduction
system.
c.  The regular systematic inspection (not to exceed one month) of
the procedures associated
with aluminum powder production as stipulated by NFPA 651 85 1987.
d.  Written training procedures for employees covering the operation,
inspection and
maintenance of the Rollo Mixer and its associated system(s).
2.  Reprogram the interlock system to prevent the mixer from turning
whenever the internal
oxygen content could support

Issued

Feb 9, 1994

Abate by

Mar 14, 1994

Penalty

Initial $7,000

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 asphyxiation from unknown concentrations of
nitrogen.
a.  On or about August 21, 1993, three employees operated a Continental
Aluminum Powder
Rollo Mixer equipped with an Oxidant Concentration Reduction System, and
a nonfunctioning
inroom nitrogen detection instrument and/or alarm system.  The lack of an
operable nitrogen
detection instrument and/or alarm system, as required by NFPA 69, 27.4
(1986) (Standard on
Explosion Prevention Systems), limited the employees ability to make
informed decisions on the
nitrogen content of the room, and they were thereby exposed to the hazard
of asphyxiation.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards
is to:
1.  Replace or repair the nitrogen detection system already in place.
2.  Establish a suitable inspection and preventive maintenance schedule
for the oxidant
concentration reduction system as required by NFPA 69, 18.1 (1986).
3.  Establish a daily inspection log for indicating and recording
instruments, and alarm devices,
as required by NFPA 651, 85.4

Issued

Feb 9, 1994

Abate by

Feb 14, 1994

Penalty

Initial $2,750 · Current $2,000 Reduced