OSHA Inspection: TEKNI-PLEX, INC.

Issued

Apr 17, 2009

Abate by

Sep 30, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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 the hazard of fire, explosion and deflagration:
a/  Tekni-Plex/Branchburg NJ Site - Dust Collection Systems/Equipment #1,
#2, #3, #4
and "Harting" Extruder, operating in Class II combustible (plastic) dust
locations:
Employees are exposed to the hazard of fire, explosion and deflagration
resulting from
the potential ignition of Class II combustible dust, in that, the dust
collection systems,
machinery and/or equipment does not meet the requirements specified in
NFPA 68 and
NFPA 654.
At the time of this inspection the employer could not provide information
to confirm
that:
A/ Dust collection systems #1, #2, #3, #4 were not provided with, but not
limited to:
1/  a spark detection system
2/
3/  that all components of the dust collection system were of
non-combustible materials,
e.g., non-combustible flexible connectors are used at the grinder and
transfer tube areas.
4/  documentation/retention of records specific to the dust collection
systems on
inspection, testing, maintenance, service provider, etc.
5/  documentation/retention of the training provided to
employees/supervisors involved
in the operation, maintenance, equipment, etc. (Including Extruder)
6/  documentation/retention of records on the dust collection systems,
e.g., manufacturer,
safety manual, etc.
REFERENCE: National Fire Protection Association/NFPA 654  Prevention of
Fire and Dust
Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible
Particulate
Solids/2006 Edition  Chapters 6, 7, 11 and 12 = Dust Collection
System/Procedures.
B/ Dust collection systems #3 and #4 located inside of the facility were
not provided with
explosion relief venting/deflagration to the outside of the building.
REFERENCE:  National Fire Protection Association/NFPA 68 Explosion
Protection by
Deflagration Venting/2007 Edition
ABATEMENT:  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of
abatement would
be to comply with the guidelines outlined in the National Fire Protection
Association NFPA 68
and NFPA 654 referenced above.
Observed 3/04/09 and 3/30/09.