OSHA Inspection: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (ASSEMBLY PLANT)

Issued

Aug 24, 1998

Abate by

Oct 26, 1998

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 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:
On and before 5/31/98 employees working in the ELPO oven area were
exposed to potential fire and/or explosion hazards:
a.  Explosion relief vents were not installed in accordance with
NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
b.  A proven pre-ignition purge for the removal of flammable vapors
and/or gases was not provided for each zone during a burner shut
down in accordance with NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces.
c.  All employees responsible for the operation and maintenance of
the ELPO oven had not been initially trained and provided periodic
training as necessary in accordance with NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens
and Furnaces.
d. A program for inspection, operational checks, and maintenance,
was not established and conducted for the ELPO oven in accordance
with NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces and the manufacturers'
recommendations.
Among others, feasible and acceptable abatement methods include:
1. Assure there is an adequate purge for each individual zone
burner per NFPA 86.
2. Install explosion relief vents in accordance with NFPA 86.
3. Train employees responsible for the operation and maintenance of
the ELPO oven and establish a program of inspections, operational
checks and maintenance based on the manufacturers' recommendations.