OSHA Inspection: ACL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, LLC

Issued

Jun 16, 2009

Abate by

Sep 15, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Hazardous substances E200

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 exposed to
potential fire or explosion and deflagration due to inadequate
housekeeping:
(a)At the Thaw Shed/Rotary Dumper, housekeeping was not sufficiently
maintained in that the employer allowed coal dust to accumulate on
structural
members, railings, floors and mechanical equipment to depths in excess of
1/32 inch to as much as 3/4 inch. When daily temperatures dropped below
freezing, removal of accumulations of coal dust via wash down was
discontinued. At the entrance to the Thaw Shed/Rotary Dumper building,
radiant heaters were used to thaw coal cars. Heat from the radiant heaters
has
caused smoldering fires in the rail ties and the coal dust around the
ties.  Dust
falling from the cars onto the elements of the heaters has ignited into
sparks.
The facility was open at both ends allowing for wind to blow through
potentially creating a disturbance sufficient to suspend coal dust in the
air and
to cause the suspended coal dust to come into contact with smoldering
fires or
sparks. A sample of the coal dust was analyzed and determined to be a
class II
dust meaning the material is explosive.
Among other methods one feasible means of abatement would be:
(1)Vacuum ground floor and structural surfaces in the absence of water
wash down when temperatures go below freezing.
(2)Eliminate the process of thawing cars and extract as much loose coal as
possible while maintaining the building and equipment as safe for Class
II conditions.
(3)Move the thawing process to a site outside of the Rotary Dumper
building.
(4) Install a dust collection system that would remove coal dust from the
air before it can be
dispersed throughout the building.
Abatement certification and abatement document is required for this
violation.  Thedocumentation should include written verification of
abatement, applicable measurement or
monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be
helpful.  The
abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citation(s).n

Issued

Jun 16, 2009

Abate by

Sep 15, 2009

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500