OSHA Inspection: FLEX TECHNOLOGIES INC

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jun 26, 2006

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100

Hazardous substances 8880

General-duty citation text

T.C.A. 50-3-105(1):  The employer did not furnish employment and a place
of employment
which were free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or
serious physical
harm to employees, in that there was not a procedure in place that ensured
the separation of
pressurized cans of flammable mold release from molten zinc pots, that
were at over 800oF, at
the die cast operations.
On 6/7/06, a Die Cast Operator was in the process of placing a can of
"Economy Silicone Spray
Mold Release," made by IMS (Item # 113718), on a shelf above the molten
zinc pot.  The can
reportedly contacted a piece of the machine and was dropped into the
molten zinc pot.  The can
exploded and molten zinc splattered on the employee, who reportedly
suffered second degree
burns.
This hazard was recognized, in that the label on the can of mold release
spray
stated:
"Danger: Contents Under Pressure
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE"
The can label also stated:
"Store below 120oF - Keep out of sun and away from heat"
The spray contained 1,1-difluoroethane, dimethyl ether, aliphatic
petroleum distillates, and the
release agent silicone.  The flash point for the product was less than 0oF.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method for
correcting this hazard
is:
a.Determine and designate a safe location (away from any heat source) for
the flammable
mold release spray cans at the die casting operations, and clearly label
(or color code,
etc) the location;
b.Establish a safety rule that requires placement of the spray cans at the
designated
safe
location when the can is not actually being utilized to spray the mold;
c.Train all Die Cast Operators in the safety rule requiring the constant
placement of the
flammable spray cans in the safe location.  Inform the employees that
compliance with
the rule is a condition of employment;
d.Ensure that supervisors of the area consistently monitor the spray can
locations; and
e.Strictly enforce the safety rule requiring the safe location for
placement of the flammable
spray cans.

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jun 20, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880

Issued

Jun 20, 2006

Abate by

Jul 22, 2006

Hazardous substances 8880