OSHA Inspection: BRANNAN SAND & GRAVEL

Issued

Jun 30, 2008

Abate by

Oct 31, 2008

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment
which were free
from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or
serious harm to
employees in that employees were exposed to the hazards of fire and
explosion due to
inadequate controls for monitoring and/or removing explosive gasses in the
conveyor
systems:
a)Brannan Sand & Gravel Company & 4045 Fox Street, Denver, CO:  On or
before March 11, 2008, the company did not ensure that employees were
protected from the hazards of fire and explosion in that the
concentrations of
flammable vapors in the main drag slatt conveyor and the silo transfer
shuttle
conveyor were not adequately controlled through the existing negative
pressure
system.  The efficiency of this negative pressure system was compromised
due
to the lack of adequate inspection and maintenance of such system,
resulting
in
numerous air leaks primarily in the plywood covers on the top of these
conveyors.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the
hazard is to
consult with a qualified design engineer and the manufacturer to enhance
the existing
ventilation system and to develop a monitoring system for explosive
gasses.  Any such
systems must be appropriate to adequately control the hazard.
Abatement note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion