OSHA Inspection: NORTH AMERICA HOGANAS, INC.

Issued

2013-08-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5000.00 · Current $5000.00

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 was 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 explosive levels of hydrogen gas.      a) On or about 6/5/13 at #10 Furnace; calibration of the hydrogen gas sensors for the Beacon 800 Gas monitor was not conducted within the frequency described in the Operator's Manual.   Since the installation of the sensors in June 2012 no calibration was performed.      b) On or about 6/5/13 at # 7 Furnace; calibration of the hydrogen gas sensors for the Beacon 800 Gas monitor was not conducted within the frequency described in the Operator's Manual.  Since the installation of the sensors on December 23, 2012 no calibration was performed.      c) On or about 6/5/13 at #9 Furnace; calibration of the hydrogen gas sensors for the Beacon 800 Gas monitor was not conducted within the frequency described in the Operator's Manual.  Since the installation of the sensors on February, 8 2013, no calibration was performed.      Among other methods, several feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard include; following the Calibration Frequency described in the Beacon 800 Gas Monitor Operator's Manual.      National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 654 Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2005 revision.     Page 12 of the Operators Manual states:  Although there is no particular calibration frequency that is correct for all applications, a calibration frequency of every 3 to 6 months is adequate for most hydrogen transmitter applications.  Unless experience in a particular application dictates otherwise, RKI Instruments, Inc. recommends a calibration frequency of every three months.      Section 12.1.1; An inspection, testing, and maintenance program shall be developed and implemented to ensure that the fire and explosion protection systems and related process controls and equipment perform as designed.      No Abatement Documentation Required

Issued

2013-08-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3400.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    a) On or about 6/5/13 at # 7 furnace; the end of the conduit on the junction box, located at the discharge of the furnace, was open.       No Abatement Certification Required