OSHA Inspection: GEORGIA PACIFIC CORPORATION

Issued

Feb 3, 2010

Abate by

Mar 23, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,125

Hazardous substances E101

General-duty citation text

P.L. 91-596 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 the hazard(s) of:
a) In the Planer Room and on the Planer Mill Production Line, on or about
October
26, 2009, employees were exposed to combustion, deflagration, and fire
hazards
from blowing down wood dust around ignition sources including but not
limited
to non-intrinsically safe electrical overhead fluorescent lights, outlets,
and
switches where combustible wood dust was being blown with compressed air
for
cleaning purposes.
Abatement Notes:  NFPA 664, "Standard for the Prevention of Fires and
Explosions in
Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, 2007 Edition" which states in
11.2
Cleanup Methods.  11.2.1  Surfaces shall be cleaned in a manner that
minimizes the
generation of dust clouds.  Blowing down with steam or compressed air or
even vigorous
sweeping shall be permitted only where the following requirements are met:
(1)The floor area and equipment shall be vacuumed prior to blow down.
(2)Electrical equipment and other sources of ignition shall be shut down,
removed from the area, or classified for use in dusty areas per NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code.
(3)Only a low gauge pressure of 103 kPa (15 psi) steam or compressed air
shall be used.
(4)No open flames, sparks from spark-producing equipment, or hot surfaces
or flames capable of igniting a dust cloud or layer shall exist.
(5) All fire protection equipment shall be in service.
ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION ARE REQUIRED.

Issued

Feb 3, 2010

Abate by

Feb 8, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,125

Hazardous substances E101