Just when you think we have seen/heard it all when it comes to management no brainers, but this one bares repeating. IN-OSHA recently cited a food manufacturing facility with a Willful ( in Indiana they call them “Knowing” citations) for having their employees remove the stainless steel clean out port, and then put their finger on the safety inter-lock switch to let machine continue to run when cleaning out the inclined screw feeder and jog in reverse. This was the approved standard practice!
Safety Order 1 Item 1
Type of Violation: Knowing; $63,000.00 IC 22-8-1.1 Section 2 : The employer did not establish and maintain conditions of work which were reasonably safe and healthful for employees, and free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to potentially amputations and broken bones from employees not being protected by the safety interlock installed by the employer of the Inclined screw feeder.
Inclined Screw Feeder Model ISF- Employer has employees remove the stainless steel clean out port, and then put their finger on the safety inter-lock switch to let machine continue to run when cleaning out the inclined screw feeder and jog in reverse.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is: To keep the clean out port cover on the feeder and go by the recommended cleaning procedures contained in the Model ISF Inclined Screwfeeder Instruction manual. ANSI – CEMA 350 – 2009 – Screw Conveyors for Bulk Material can also be referenced.
Safety Order 1 Item 2
Type of Violation: Knowing; $5,000.00
IC 22-8-1.1 Section 2 : The employer did not establish and maintain conditions of work which were reasonably safe and healthful for employees, and free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to potentially broken bones and/ or death from employees not being protected from inadvertent start/restart of the robot or robot system when they are inside the safeguard space.
Inclined Screwfeeder – Vega 400 – Employees are not trained on how to clean out the Inclined screwfeeder as documented in the instruction manual.
Among other methods , one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazards is : Train employees as the Model ISF Inclined Screwfeeder instruction manual states and follow all recommendations made for the safe operations and the maintenance of the equipment.
CLICK HERE to download the IN-OSHA citations