When Will OSHA Cite for Combustible Dust Violations?
Despite the fact no specific OSHA standard exists regulating the presence of combustible dust , OSHA has directed its compliance officers to cite employers under several regulations it uses to address the issue. Below is a listing of just some of the citations a company could receive for having combustible dust present in its plant or factory. In many cases, the accumulation of combustible dust will result in more than one citation. I. General Housekeeping Citations, 29 C.F.R. 1910.22 The general housekeeping standard requires that “all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.” The standard further demands that every workroom floor be kept clean, dry, and free from nails, splinters, holes, and loose boards. While this standard does not appear to be intended to address the hazards of combustible dust, OSHA has announced it will issue a citation for the presence of combustible dust under this standard if
