OSHA Inspection: DDM METAL FINISHING COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Dec 14, 2012

Abate by

May 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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 were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that, employees were exposed to potential fire and explosion hazards:    Main Shop Floor:      A.  On, or about, July 2, 2012, a home-made dust collection system served nine Bader vertical belt sanders that were used to process titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and Inconel parts.   Combustible dust was generated when titanium or aluminum parts were processed.  Employees were exposed to fire and/or explosion hazards because the dust collector was not provided with deflagration venting and recycled exhaust air back into the building such that a fire/explosion could spread inside the building.  Because the dust collection system was used to collect both combustible dust and ferrous metal grindings and particles, the potential for a spark or hot ember entering the system was increased.  Also, the dust collection system was not provided with sufficient capture velocity to direct all combustible dust into the dust collection system, the interior of the main exhaust duct was coated with a build-up of dust and the dust collector was provided with a steel fan on the dirty side of the dust collection system.    Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to design, install and maintain a dust collection system that complies with generally accepted industry standards such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 484  Standard for Combustible Metals.        B.  On, or about, July 2, 2012, employees were exposed to fire and/or explosion hazards through the use of plastic brooms and metal dustpans for cleaning combustible dust from around the vertical sanding machines.  These housekeeping implements constituted spark and/or ignitions sources in the presence of combustible titanium and/or aluminum dust.        Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to provide natural bristle brooms and brushes along with conductive, non-sparking dustpans for housekeeping in areas were combustible metal dusts are generated.

Issued

Dec 14, 2012

Abate by

Feb 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:    Grinding/Polishing Area:  Employees performed finishing operations on metals such as titanium and aluminum that produced combustible dusts.  On, or about, July 2, 2012, the employer had not developed and implemented a written Hazard Communication Program that included information regarding container labeling, material safety data sheets and employee training.