OSHA Inspection: DZ GRINDERS, LLC

Issued

Apr 2, 2025

Abate by

Apr 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $14,895 · Current $12,661 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, including severe burns, in that employees were exposed to the hazard of embers contacting combustible material.   a)	Plant 2: on November 15, 2024, employees were exposed to fire hazards when using the Hornet Cutting Systems, Mega Hornet 1000 Plasma Machine and Camfil Dry Downdraft Air Table to cut T1 hardened screens.  The ductwork and Gold Series X-Flo Dust Collector used to carry and separate dust generated from plasma cutting operations did not have an installed or working smoke and fire detection or suppression system.  An excessive amount of debris was present in the dry downdraft table.  A metal bar placed in the ductwork leading from the table to the Gold Series X-Flo Dust Collector inhibited the functionality of the spark arrestor.  Among other methods, feasible and acceptable measures to abate the hazard may include: 1.) Follow the Mega Hornet 1000 cutting systems Operation and Maintenance Manual: - 6.4.3 Monthly Preventive Maintenance paragraph 9, remove all slag and debris from the bottom of the down draft or water table. Dispose of the waste according to local ordinances. 2.) Follow NFPA 51B Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work (2009), Chapter 5, Fire Prevention Precautions, which instructs employers to do the following: - 4.1.3: all equipment shall be examined to ensure it is in a safe operating condition. - 4.1.6 Management shall ensure that all individuals involved in the hot work operations, including contractors, are familiar with the provisions of this standard. - 4.1.6.1 Individuals involved in hot work operations shall be trained in the safe operation of their equipment and in the safe use of the process. - 4.1.6.2 Individuals involved in hot work operations shall have an awareness of the inherent risks involved and understand the emergency procedures in the event of a fire. - 5.4.2, (1): The hot work equipment to be used shall be in satisfactory operating condition and in good repair. All equipment shall be examined to ensure it is in a safe operating condition. 3.) Establish a regular schedule for inspection and cleaning of downdraft tables and ductwork, including spark arrestors. 4.) Follow the bag house manufacturer?s recommendations outlined in the Gold Series X-Flo Dust Collector Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual section 500 Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting: - 500.2 Hopper, at the start/end of each shift, check the hopper or discharge container at the bottom of the unit. - 500.8 Suggested Preventive Maintenance Schedule, inspection procedures to be completed daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. - 510.10 Follow the solutions identified where a process generates sparks and fires have occurred. 5.) Install and ensure fire detection and suppression systems are operable in accordance with manufacturers specifications outlined in the Gold Series X-Flo Dust Collector Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.