OSHA Inspection: PCC AIRFOILS INC.

Issued

Oct 9, 2001

Abate by

Nov 11, 2001

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $1,875

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 fire and explosion hazards while operating the CVC VIM
furnace:
On 8/13/01, employees operating the CVC furnace were exposed to fire and
explosion hazards
due to hydraulic oil residue, or other contaminates, in the pit of the
melt chamber. The residue,
when heated; e.g., accidental pour of molten metal or magnesium "flash
off", releases volatile
organic compounds which, when exposed to air, exceed the lower explosive
limit.
The following are feasible abatement methods, among others, to help reduce
the potential for
explosion hazards:
1. Clean oil, flash off, or other contaminates from the inside surfaces of
the
melt chamber  and
pump manifold on at least a quarterly basis.
2. Develop written emergency procedures for safely dealing with accidental
dumps that may
occur due to equipment malfunction or operator error.
3. As per NFPA 86D, ensure that all operating, maintenance, and
appropriate supervisory
personnel are thoroughly instructed and trained under the direction of a
qualified person(s) and
shall be required to demonstrate understanding of the equipment and its
operation to ensure
knowledge of and practice of safe operating procedures. All operators,
maintenance and
appropriate supervisory personnel shall receive regularly scheduled
retraining and testing to
maintain a high level of proficiency and effectiveness.