OSHA Inspection: ELITE FINISHING, LLC.

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

Dec 6, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,000 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 in
that employees were
exposed to serious burns from potential dust explosion, deflagration or
other fire hazards as the
result of the improper design and maintenance of the dust collection
system where combustible
aluminum dust was generated:
(a)Elite Finishing, LLC in Milwaukee, WI:  The following deficiencies were
found with the
Hydrotron wet-type dust collector and associated systems used for aluminum
dust
generated in the polishing department:
1.The dust collection system did not collect and transport all the dust
generated to
the wet-type dust collector.  Dust was seen clogging the polishing machine
4
duct.
2.Ventilation measurements indicated that duct velocity at 9 of the 12 dust
collection units was insufficient to transport the collected dust to the
dust
collector.
3.Ductwork used to connect buffing stations 5 and 6 to the Filter 1
Hydrotron wet-
type dust collector was not conductive to dissipate static charge build-up
nor was
it smooth on the interior to prevent a build-up of dust.
4.At the point where the ducts for the buffing and polishing machines
combine
there was a capped outlet that allows an accumulation of dust.
5.The dust collector exhaust for the four Filter 1 Hydrotrons was located
inside of
the building exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards should the
collector
explode.
6.It was possible to operate the polishing and buffing machines, that
generate
aluminum dust, without the dust collection units running.
7.Sludge from the Filter 1 Hydrotrons was not removed daily to assure
proper and
safe operation of equipment.
8.Compressed air was used for cleaning dust from work surfaces.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement would
be to comply
with the guidelines outlined in National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 484 "Standard
for Combustible Metals", 2006.
Certification, and documentation/evidence of abatement is required.
Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be
submitted within ten (10)
calendar days after the abatement date.ment

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

Dec 6, 2009

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

Dec 6, 2009

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

May 14, 2009

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

May 14, 2009

Issued

May 11, 2009

Abate by

May 14, 2009