OSHA Inspection: SPECTRULITE CONSORTIUM, INC.

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Feb 19, 1997

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:
..the hazard of being burned by intense heat and fire from molten
magnesium vapor which
escaped from casting pot(s) due to lack of maintaining control and
"tending" of pots
containing magnesium compounds from initial firing (heating) of the pots
through the casting
process until shut down of the operation.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard
would be.....
1.  Establish a comprehensive training program for all employees exposed
to magnesium in
the workplace ensuring that each employee recognize potential safety and
health
hazards
when handling and using magnesium in solid, particulate, and molten states.
2.  Establish safe operating procedures for initial firing (heating) of
the casting pots,
temperature controls, and maintenance of the pots throughout the entire
casting process
through shut-down of the casting unit.
a)  Provide adequate number of personnel to implement the safe operating
procedures.
b)  Thoroughly train all personnel, both salaried and hourly, involved in
these
safe operating procedures and frequently follow up on the employees'
knowledge and understanding through actual job practices.
3.  Establish a system for documenting and recording pertinent information
regarding the
entire casting operation from start-up (firing) to shut-down.
a)  Devise a log or equivalent for recording temperatures of the metal in
the
pots throughout the heat.
b)  Devise a log or equivalent for recording any/all unusual circumstances
that
occur from start to shut-down.  Unusual circumstances would include, but
are
not be limited to, condition of metal in the pot, problems with
thermocouples
and temperature readings, all maintenance/repairs performed, covering of
pots,
emergency shut-downs of pots.
4.  Establish mandatory communication between each shift to inform/receive
all necessary
information for continued safe operation from start-up to shut-down of the
casting unit.
a)  During shift changes, assure that all documented/recorded information
is
given to the designated receiver( i.e. Foreman, Crew Leader, et al) on the
next
shift in order for the safe operation of the unit to continue.DISCLAIMER:
1.  You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above.
2.  The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases.
3.  The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
appropriate abatement
method.

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Feb 19, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Oct 3, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Jun 1, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Feb 19, 1997

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

Issued

Feb 13, 1997

Abate by

Feb 19, 1997