OSHA Inspection: NORANDA ALUMINUM INC.

Issued

Aug 7, 2012

Abate by

Jan 5, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):  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 caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to combustible dust explosion, deflagration, or other fire hazards while working in the Green Mill:    1. At the time of the inspection, dust in the Green Mill was found to be explosive and dust collectors handling explosive dust mixtures were located inside the Green Mill and did not have alternative protection. Among other methods, one feasible and accepted abatement method is to comply with NFPA 654 Section 7.13.1.1.1 which requires dust collectors where there is an explosion hazard to be located outside of buildings or have alternative protection as listed in sections 7.13.1.1.2(1), or(2), or(3).    2. At the time of the inspection, dust in the Green Mill was found to be explosive and employees were exposed to an explosion hazard due to leaks in the dust collection systems. Among other methods, one feasible and accepted abatement method is to comply with NFPA 654 Section 8.1.1 "Continuous suction to minimize the escape of dust shall provided for processes where combustible dust is liberated in normal operation. Observed dust emissions include but were not limited to:  	a. The ductwork on the discharge side of the ball mill dust collector 31717  fan 31614  was leaking dust and    settling in the phase III ball mill room.           	b. The dust collection hood positioned over the top of the elevator 31.15.15 was pulsing dust. The hood was equipped with a rubber extensions to provide continuous containment but still leaked. It was thought by the employer that the pulsing was generated by the bag cleaning cycle in dust collector 31.15.21.  	c.  A disconnected 12" diameter  flex connection to LEV hood for vibrating conveyor on Mogensen Sizer 31.11.06-M2  Among other methods, one feasible and accepted abatement method is to comply with NFPA 654 Section 8.1.1 "Continuous suction to minimize the escape of dust shall provided for processes where combustible dust is liberated in normal operation.

Issued

Aug 7, 2012

Abate by

Jan 5, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1):    All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition.    At the time of the inspection, housekeeping in the Green Mill did not minimize accumulations of explosive dust on walls, floors, and horizontal surfaces such as equipment, ducts, pipes, hoods, ledges and beams. Employees were exposed to the hazard of flash fire and deflagration.