OSHA Inspection: FLOCK TEX INC.

Issued

Apr 4, 2007

Abate by

Sep 27, 2007

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

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: a) An employee was cleaning
the front of the flock
module with an air hose generating a dust cloud and created an ignition
source causing an
explosion and fire.  The employer had not established cleaning procedures
that minimized the
generation of dust cloud. The area was not vacuumed prior to the start of
blowing down the
screen and the compressed air used was not limited to 15 psi.  Note: Among
other methods, one
feasible and acceptable method to abate this hazard includes the
following: Comply with the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 654; Standard for the
prevention of fire and dust
Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing and Handling of Combustible
Particulate Solids.
The establishment of a cleaning procedure shall be done in a manner that
minimizes
the
generation of dust clouds.  Vigorous sweeping or blowing down with steam
or compressed air
produces dust clouds and shall be permitted only if the following
requirements are met:
1. Area and equipment shall be vacuumed prior to blowdown. Vacuum cleaners
shall be listed
for use in Class II hazardous locations or shall be a fixed pipe suction
system with remotely
located exhauster and dust collector installed in conformance with section
3.13 of NFPA 654.
2. Electrical power and other sources of ignition shall be shut down or
removed from the area.
3. Only low gauge pressure 15 psi steam or compressed air shall be used.
4. There shall be no hot surfaces in an area that is capable of igniting a
dust cloud or layer.
"ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED"