OSHA Inspection: INTERMET CORP

Issued

Oct 20, 2008

Abate by

Oct 23, 2008

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $20,000 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 a hazard of being struck by exploding pieces of metal from
tank over
pressurization:
a. When operating mixing machines, which include a water system diaphram
pressure
tank, such as machine number 05PU020, where the tank exploded on August
18, 2008,
a safety device such as a mechanical safety relief valve that functioned
in all modes of
operation was not installed on the machine to prevent over pressurization
and rupture or
explosion, and to prevent employees being struck by exploding tank pieces
or other
consequences of tank rupture or explosion.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
this
hazard is to install a mechanical safety relief valve as stated on the
warning lable of the
water system diaphram pressure tanks which were part of the mixing
machines, as stated
in the pump technical service manual, and as stated in the instruction
manual for the Pro-
Mix III mixing machine (company machine number 05PU020).
Along with this method of abatement is to ensure operating employees read
the
instructional manual and are trained on machine operation.
Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this
violation.  The
documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable
measurements
or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be
helpful.  The
abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citaion(s).on