OSHA Inspection: BLOMMER CHOCOLATE COMPANY

Issued

Dec 3, 2008

Abate by

Jan 22, 2009

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $7,000 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:
On or about June 8, 2008, in the black cocoa work area(s), the ventilation
system used to
remove nitrogen from a ribbon blender was not properly operated,
maintained, evaluated and
monitored to ensure effectiveness.  Employees were thereby exposed to the
potential hazards
associated with oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Feasible and acceptable abatement methods include, but are not limited to:
Following the
Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust
Ventilation Systems
(ANSI/AIHA Z9.2), published by the American Industrial Hygiene Assocation
and approved
by the American National Standards Institute.
NOTE:  29 CFR 1903.19 REQUIRES THAT YOU PROVIDE CERTIFICATION AND
DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT FOR THIS ITEM.

Issued

Dec 3, 2008

Abate by

Dec 22, 2008

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced