OSHA Inspection: PIMALCO / IBC

Issued

Jan 13, 1995

Abate by

Feb 9, 1995

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,750 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 explosion hazards:
a)IBC Cast House:  On or about 8/24/94, employees completely submerged
undried static
mold cast prime aluminum (pig) beneath molten aluminum contained in an
induction
furnace.  The aluminum pig weighed in excess of 1,000 pounds, and had been
stored
outside.  The prime aluminum contained internal moisture in a shrinkage
cavity which
vaporized when submerged beneath the molten metal resulting in the
expulsion of molten
metal from the furnace.  Employees were exposed to an explosion hazard and
to molten
metal.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
the
hazard is to predry all large static mold cast prime aluminum (pig) that
will be
completely submerged beneath molten metal.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to preheat the Prime prior to allowing it to be charged into the furnace.

Issued

Jan 13, 1995

Abate by

Apr 15, 1995

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,750 Reduced