OSHA Inspection: US GREENFIBER, LLC

Issued

Feb 5, 2010

Abate by

Sep 1, 2010

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,575 Reduced

Hazardous substances M102

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 paper dust explosions, deflagrations, or other fire
hazards because methods
were not used to ensure proper collection of and prevent ignition of
combustible paper dust
during the generation and collection operations:
a.US Greenfiber, LLC located in Delphos, Ohio:  On or about August 13,
2009, the
employer did not ensure fans and air blowers used to convey combustible
paper and
paper dust in the production area and the paper break down area were
equipped with
spark detection and suppression systems to prevent sparks and ignited
material from
entering the processes downstream.
b.US Greenfiber, LLC located in Delphos, Ohio:  On or about August 13,
2009,
the
employer did not ensure air material separators such as cyclones and
baghouses located
in the production area and the paper breakdown area were equipped with
deflagration
protection systems to protect work areas upstream and down stream of the
equipment
from deflagration hazards.
c.US Greenfiber, LLC located in Delphos, Ohio:  On or about August 13,
2009, the
employer did not ensure the hammer mill located in the paper breakdown
area was
equipped with a fire detection and suppression system.
Abatement Note:  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method
to correct this
hazard is to comply with 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" (2006), including but not limited to: a)
Install deflagration
detection and suppression systems on all air material separators in
accordance with Chapter 7
of NFPA 654. b) Install spark detection and suppression equipment on the
down stream side of
all material fans and blowers in accordance with Chapter 7 of NFPA 654. c)
Install fire
detection and suppression systems on all size reduction equipment
according with Chapter 10
of NFPA 654.
In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required
for this violation (
using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition,
documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included
with your
certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to,
evidence of the purchase
or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written
records.

Issued

Feb 5, 2010

Abate by

Feb 18, 2010