Several of the citations were due to a buildup of combustible dust and hazards that increase the danger of having accumulations of this dust. The company was cited for not operating and maintaining a dust collection system and allowing the combustible dust to accumulate in work areas. Additional citations were given because employees working around areas with a potential for a combustible dust fire were not provided flame-retardant clothing.
Adding to the hazards of explosive dust, the company was cited for dangerous electrical conditions. A spark or excessive heat from a faulty electrical system can be enough to ignite a combustible dust fire. Employees were also exposed to amputation hazards and a lack of machine guards.
The Director of Wilmington’s OSHA office explained the reason for the citations and fines, and why the company needs to address these dust issues: “People hear the word ‘dust’ and they don’t think ‘deadly’ – but under the right circumstances, a combustible dust explosion can level a building. The machines at this facility generated the kind of dust that can cause a fatal, destructive explosion”.