OSHA Inspection: SENSIENT FLAVORS LLC

Issued

2023-03-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2023-04-19 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $15625.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances M102

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 caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to combustible dust explosion or other fire hazards while working at or near the A-Line Henszey spray dryer which was not designed to prevent or minimize employee exposure in the event of deflagration or other uncontrolled fire event:  On or about October 04, 2022, the A-Line horizontal spray dryer operators were exposed to combustible dust explosion hazards and fire hazards associated with the Henszey spray dryer.   The Henszey horizontal spray dryer dried a yeast solution to a combustible powder in a process that suspended the powder in an air stream within the vessel and which contained the possibility for product ember formation through localized overheating. The spray dryer lacked a means of (1)explosion protection  and (2) fire protection. Employees working near the spray dryer were exposed to (i.e., exiting pressure wave, flame front, vessel fragmentation from vessel overpressure) in the event of an internal deflagration and fire hazards (i.e., smoke, toxic gases, flames) in the event of an internal fire.   Among other methods, feasible methods to correct the hazards following the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 61 "Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, 2020 ed." - Sections 9.3.17.5.4 (Fire Detection/Suppression Requirements), 9.3.17.5.5 and 9.3.17.1.4 (Spray Dryer Explosion Protection Requirements), and 9.7.3.1 (Methods of Explosion Protection/Prevention).  Specifically (1)provide the unit with a means of explosion protection such as deflagration venting in accordance with NFPA 68 "Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting" which may involve venting through listed dust retention and flame-arresting devices or venting to a safe outdoor location through specialized ducting; and	 2)Provide the unit with a means of fire detection and suppression system including a fixed water spray or automatic sprinkler system with adequate water supplies or an adequately designed steam-smothering system.