OSHA Inspection: WOLLASTON ALLOYS

Issued

Jun 8, 2009

Abate by

Aug 12, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,000 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 the hazards associated with molten metal/steam explosions:
Melt Dept, AOD Area:
On or about 1/12/09 several workers were injured when a molten metal and
steam
explosion occurred while transferring molten metal from the AOD vessel
into the
Teapot Ladle where the molten metal spilled over into the Teapot Ladle pit,
which contained standing water.
Methods of abatement can include the following steps:
1) Waterproof the AOD pouring pit to prevent entrance of moisture.
2) To facilitate inspection, do not use the pan in the pit.
3) Have a sensing device for water in the pit.
4) Perform daily inspections of the pit.
5) Have the AOD operator check that the AOD vessel and Teapot Ladle are
properly aligned
before commencing the pour.ncing