OSHA Inspection: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.

Issued

Jul 29, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2021

Penalty

Initial $10,603 · Current $6,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 from dust collectors that processed combustible dust which were located inside the building and could propagate an explosion:    a)  Mixing Room, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., 197 West Creek Road in Saint Marys, PA./{Equipment #00744}:  On or about January 31, 2020, employees were potentially exposed to fire and explosion hazards from the dust collector (powdered metal vacuuming system) located inside the building.  The dust collector collected combustible dust from materials including, but not limited to, powdered metal.        b)  Mixing Room, American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., 197 West Creek Road in Saint Marys, PA./{Equipment #00744}:  On or about January 31, 2020, employees were potentially exposed to fire and explosion hazards from the dust collector (powdered metal vacuuming system) that was not equipped with approved devices to prevent the propagation of a dust explosion and associated flame fronts throughout the dust collection system and associated ductwork. The dust collector collected combustible dust from materials including, but not limited to, powdered metal.          ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:  Abatement certification is required within 10 days after the abatement date noted on the citation.  This certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date abatement was completed, method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. IN ADDITION, abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic, or video evidence or abatement or other written records.