OSHA Inspection: H.C. STARCK, INC.

Issued

Jan 24, 1994

Abate by

Jan 27, 1994

Penalty

Initial $42,000 · Current $24,000 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 the hazard of fir and explosion:
(a)  Hood Room:  On 10/25/93 and before, employees were exposed to the
hazard of fire
and explosion resulting from an uncontrolled chemical reaction (sodium
and water)
during the burning of sodium in metal drums, as this operation was done
where
dangerous quantities of molten sodium and water could mix.
One feasible method to correct this hazard is to insure that all sodium
burning operations
are done only in an area where it is not possible for molten sodium to
mix with water;
and to insure that all nonroutine processes involving reactive materials
will not be
attempted except after the process and procedures to be followed have
been documented,
reviewed and approved by a person qualified in process design.