OSHA Inspection: ATLAS POWDER COMPANY

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 30, 1991

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $720

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
broken bones, concussions and other serious hazards associated with
electric blasting cap detonations:
A) Atlas Power Company - Effective administrative and engineering
safeguards had not been initiated and implemented to insure
protection of employees during the final press operation in
building 225, (cap line), January 10, 1991.
Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard are...
1) Incorporate a limit switch, with an audible/visual signal on the
press that will immediately shut the press down (and at the same
time warn the operator that a malfunction has occurred), if the
press does not begin its upward stroke within the desired time frame.
2) Re-evaluate the cap assembly procedure through job safety analysis,
hazop or equivalent studies incorporating necessary upgrading/changes
and train both maintenance and production employees in the new
(upgraded) procedure.
3) Implement corrective action measures listed in Glen Weaver's incident
report Number R-47-083, dated 2/1/91, including additional corrective
action suggestions.
4) Close and frequent supervisory checks of progress and equipment
documented in daily log or inspection/check-list form.
5) Elimination of compressed air cylinders from press area unless
positive safeguards can be provided.

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $180

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 27, 1991

Penalty

Initial $270 · Current $270

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 22, 1991

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $450

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $600

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 20, 1991

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 30, 1991