OSHA Inspection: MONTANA POWER COMPANY

Issued

Nov 6, 1998

Abate by

Sep 1, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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;
On or about 07/25/98 and at times prior there to, employees working near
the Units 3 & 4
Boiler bottom ash hopper systems were exposed to the hazard of being
burned by hot water,
steam and ash being released through the seal trough.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct
this hazard are;
1.  Follow manufacturers guidelines for maintaining bottom ash removal
equipment in order
to keep water temperatures at or below 124 degrees.
2.  Clear water volume restriction from water lines and sluice pumps to
allow
ash to be
pulled on Units 3 and 4 at the same time when needed.
3.  Put acid injection system into service to maintain pH level in the
water in order to reduce
ash build-up in water lines.
4.  Follow manufacturers recommendations and  guidelines for maintenance
on the boiler
components.
5.  Increase monitoring and removal of slag and ash  accumulation when
using a poor fuel
quality (dirty coal).
6.  Maintain ID Fans so they are able to operate in auto mode rather than
manual mode to
adjust for pressure fluctuations.
7.  Maintain Plum-bobs so they are able to operate in auto mode rather
than manual mode in
order to assist in adjusting for pressure fluctuations.
8.  Increase maintenance and cleaning on scrubber vessels in order to
reduce differential
pressures in re-heaters and allow ID Fans to adjust to boiler pressures.
9.  Consult with the manufacturer of the boiler or a boiler expert about
prevention of seal
trough blow-outs. (Should not be occurring as per the manufacturer)
10.  Perform Job Analysis of JSO's to determine if SOP's are being
followed and take steps
to ensure that the JSO has adequate time to perform all necessary
inspections of boiler on his
shift.
11.  Consult with the manufacturer of the boiler or a boiler expert about
the possibility of a
shield on the seal trough to protect employees if the hazard can not be
eliminated completely
by other means.
__ Abatement certification or documentation is NOT required for this item.
__ Abatement certification is required for this item.
x_ Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.
__ Warning tag (or citation copy) required on this equipment before
moving.

Issued

Nov 6, 1998

Abate by

Feb 28, 1999

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1998

Abate by

Nov 9, 1998

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced