OSHA Inspection: PREMIUM WOOD PRODUCTS, INC.

Issued

Jun 18, 2015

Abate by

Oct 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,900 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 in that employees were exposed to fire hazards while working at or near an indoor wood dust and particulate collection system (filter-media dust collector and associated ducting) and an indoor wood dust and particulate holding bin (silo) and auger conveying system lacking basic fire prevention and protection methods:    a) The Donaldson model 100PJ8 filter-media dust collector collecting wood dust and particulate from the upstream wood processing and size reduction equipment and from the headspace of the holding bin was located indoors without means of fire prevention and fire protection. The dust collector discharged exhausted air directly back into the facility.    b) The holding bin (silo) used to receive and hold wood dust and particulate from the upstream dust collection process and meter it to an externally located biomass combustion system shop heater was located indoors without means of fire prevention and fire protection.    c) Wood dust and particulate was conveyed from the filter-media dust collector into the holding bin (silo) in a manner that allowed wood dust and particulate to escape the screw auger conveying system connecting the two vessels.  A hopper was used to hold wood dust that was escaping the transfer point located between the two screw auger conveyors. A bronze bushing bearing was located at this transfer point and produced a high surface temperature.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).     Among other methods, feasible methods to correct these hazards would be to follow the guidelines in NFPA Standard 664 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, 2012 ed.  Sections 8.2.2.2.2, 8.2.2.5.1.4, 8.2.2.6, 8.2.3.1.3, 8.4.2.3, 8.10.3.1, 8.10.3.3, and A.8.10.3.1.   Specifically, these methods include, but are not limited to, the following:    1) Protect ducts and downstream vessels conveying/receiving dry wood material released by equipment having a high frequency of generated sparks (such as large belt sanders and planers having automatic feed systems and size reduction equipment) with a listed spark detection and extinguishment system.    2) Protect the indoor dust collector with a method of fire protection such as a listed fire detection and extinguishment system such as an automatic sprinkler system capable of providing a minimum density of 0.20 gpm/ft2 over the horizontal projected area of the collector.  Alternatively, relocate the dust collector to an outside location.    3) Prohibit the recycling of dust collector exhaust air by exhausting to an outdoor location away from any building air intakes.  Alternatively, relocate the dust collector outdoors and provide a spark detection and abort gate system in accordance with the guidance in NFPA 664 to prevent the recirculation of burning material, smoke, flame, and other fire products back to the occupied portion of the facility.    4) Provide the holding bin (silo) with a listed fire detection and extinguishment system such as an automatic sprinkler system capable of providing a minimum density of 0.20 gpm/ft2 over the horizontal projected area of the bin (silo).  Alternatively, relocate the holding bin (silo) outside the building away from the main structure of the building and accessible to firefighting services.    5) Redesign the screw auger conveying system to eliminate unnecessary transfer points between separate conveyors that allow the escape of material from the system and use dusttight ball or roller bearings wherever practicable, such as to support the lower flighting of the screw auger carrying dust to the holding bin (silo).

Issued

Jun 18, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,900 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards:    Employees were exposed to a fall of more than eight feet from a platform used to access the interior of the dust collector and the employer did not ensure the platform was guarded with standard railings.    There is no abatement certification or documentation required for this item.