OSHA Inspection: GENERAL DIE CASTERS INC.

Issued

Nov 12, 2009

Abate by

Dec 10, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,625 · Current $1,200 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:
Dust containing aluminum from the Torit Downflo dust collector, was a
Class St1 explosive dust, indicating the
potential for explosion if ignited.  The following conditions found at the
facility increase the potential for an
explosion and/or severity of an explosion:
a.Aluminum dust was not removed from the dust collector at least daily.
b.Aluminum dust was not kept in covered metal containers.
c.Aluminum dust was not mixed with an inert material prior to disposal.
d.All components of the dust collection system were not bonded and
grounded.
e.The deflagration vents were not located in such a way to minimize injury
to
personnel and damage to
nearby property and structures.
f.Deflagration venting such as rupture diaphragms were not provided on
ductwork.
g.There were no procedures established for handling clothing fires.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to conduct a
process hazard analysis by an individual knowledgeable about explosive
metal dusts and comply with applicable
standards issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 484
Standard for Combustible Metals,
Chapter 6, "Aluminum" and Chapter 13, "Fire Prevention, Fire Protection,
and Emergency Response," and to
follow-up on any provided recommendations.

Issued

Nov 12, 2009

Abate by

Dec 10, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,300 · Current $975 Reduced

Issued

Nov 12, 2009

Abate by

Dec 10, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,625 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Nov 12, 2009

Abate by

Dec 10, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,625

Issued

Nov 12, 2009

Abate by

Dec 10, 2010