OSHA Inspection: SOLAR ATMOSPHERES, INC.

Issued

Nov 14, 2022

Abate by

Dec 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $10,151 · Current $7,250 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 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 at or near titanium powder collection area which was not adequately designed to prevent or minimize employee exposure in the event of a deflagration or other uncontrolled fire event:  a)  Production Area:  On or about June 8, 2022, an employee(s) was exposed to a fire hazard while manually transferring titanium powder from one container to another in that the employer failed to ensure that the process did not result in an accumulative plume of combustible dust.  Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement include, but are not limited to:  Following:   NFPA 77 Recommended Practice on Static Electricity, NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions that includes: Instituting engineering controls that would create a barrier between the employee and the hazard.  Installing additional ventilation to eliminate combustible dust plumes. Changing the work practice in a way that allows additional time between powder transfers to avoid plumes. Utilizing grounding methods for the titanium powder trays to eliminate a static charge.

Issued

Nov 14, 2022

Abate by

Dec 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $10,151 · Current $7,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):  a)  Oven and Processing Area - On or about June 8, 2022, the employer did not assess the work process involving combustible dust. Employee(s) manually transferring titanium powder from trays into a larger container are not provided with appropriate hand protection for the job activity.

Issued

Nov 14, 2022

Abate by

Dec 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.138(a):The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.  a)  Production Floor - On or about June 8, 2022, employee(s) manually transferring titanium powder from trays into a larger container are not provided with appropriate hand protection for the job activity.