OSHA Inspection: SIPI METALS CORPORATION

Issued

Oct 21, 2010

Abate by

Nov 23, 2010

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,450 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 molten metal explosions hazards:
a) Furnace Area- On or about July 27, 2010, an explosion occurred in the
furnace. The
employer did not ensure that scrap steel metals charged to the furnace was
dry and void of
any water or moisture.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to
include, but not be limited to the following:
Conform to the American Foundry Society, Inc. Standard for Safety
Requirements in Metal
Casting Operations (ASTM) E, 2349 - 2009:
1) Hazard Zone Around Induction Melting and Holding Furnace.  Section
9.2.10 - The area
adjacent to the induction melting and holding furnace is a hazard zone
because of the
possibility of molten metal splash.
2) Hazardous Atmospheres Section 9.2.10.1 Discussion - It is possible for
molten metal
splash to occur at any time that there is molten metal in the induction
melting or holding
furnace.  The causes include the introduction of foreign material or
moisture into the molten
bath and refractory lining failure.  Whenever molten metal is present in
the induction melting
furnace, the hazard exists.
3) Hazardous Atmospheres Section 9.2.11 - Description of Hazard Zone
Around Induction
Melting Furnace - The employer shall designate the extent of this hazard
zone and mark it
with color coding or post signs warning of the hazard.  Signs shall be
clearly visible at all
points of entrance to the hazard zone.  This zone extends from the edge of
the induction
melting furnace to a distance of approximately 20 feet or five times the
crucible
ID
(whichever is greater) radially from the center of the furnace.  The
extent of this area is to
be bounded by physical barriers to entry.  Railings shall be painted
yellow.  Entry points
shall have a yellow line on the floor the entire width of the opening and
at least four inches
wide.
4) Safety Molten Metal Treatment Procedures. Section 9.2.12 Personnel in
Hazard Zone
Around Induction Melting Furnace - Entry to the hazard zone adjacent to an
operating
induction melting furnace shall be restricted to authorized persons and
only then to perform
authorized tasks.  This time spent in this hazard zone shall be kept to
the minimum needed to
perform required tasks.
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 of
abatement, or other written records.

Issued

Oct 21, 2010

Abate by

Oct 26, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,225 Reduced

Issued

Oct 21, 2010

Abate by

Nov 16, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,225 Reduced