OSHA Inspection: E.S.M. II

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Mar 31, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,925 · Current $900 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 an explosion and/or fire resulting from
water contacting
magnesium dust.  The following conditions contributed to the existence of
this hazard:
a)  Blending Area:  On or about 12/3/98, the building which houses the
magnesium blending
operation was observed to have openings in the building structure which
would allow moisture
and/or the weather to enter the building.  The openings were provided to
allow ductwork from
the process to the baghouse; and,
b)  The conveying ductwork from the magnesium blend processes was not
protected from the
weather and moisture as evidenced by the rust on the ductwork piping
systems.
Feasible and acceptable abatement methods, among others, include:
1.  Seal and/or cover all holes in the magnesium blending process
structure to prevent water
and/or moisture from entering the building. (Refer to NFPA 480, Standard
for the Storage,
Handling, and Processing of Magnesium Solids and Powders, 1998 Edition,
Section 5-1.2);
2.  Provide a housing and/or roofing unit over the exposed ductwork to
prevent the weather and
moisture from corroding the ductwork piping systems.  (Refer to NFPA 480,
Section 6-3.5); and
3.  Ensure that all areas of the blending department are watertight, ie.,
provide a water seal at
floor level to all doors leading to and from this area, and when feasible,
close all ventilation
baffles from the weather and moisture.

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Mar 31, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,925 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Nov 12, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Jan 20, 1999

Abate by

Jan 25, 1999

Penalty

Initial $825 · Current $900