OSHA Inspection: ITT RAYONIER, INC.

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Sep 22, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 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 burns from hot
caustic solution:
a.   On or about November 24, 1992, the door of HCE (hot
caustic extraction) Cell Number Four was not fully and
effectively secured to prevent the door from opening
during the operation and allowing hot caustic solution
to spray onto the operator.  During the operation, the
cell door vibrated open and loosened while under
pressure.  This allowed the hot caustic stock solution
to be sprayed into the work area and exposed operators,
their assistants and maintenance personnel to severe
burns.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method
to correct this hazard is to automate all cells similar
to the system installed on Cell Number Eight in that
this automated process eliminates the requirement for
the operator to physically open and close the doors.
The automated process securely locks the door into
place and prevents the doors from loosening during the
operation.

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 13, 1993

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993