Section 408.17709. Housekeeping program.

(1) An employer shall develop and implement a written housekeeping program that establishes the frequency and method determined to best reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces.

(2)   The housekeeping program for grain elevators shall address fugitive grain dust accumulations at priority housekeeping areas. Priority housekeeping areas shall include all of the following areas:

(a)   Floor areas within 35 feet (10.7m) of inside bucket elevators.

(b)   Floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment.

(c)   Floors of enclosed areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility.

Pursuant to the housekeeping program, an employer shall immediately remove any fugitive grain dust accumulations when they exceed 1/8 of an inch (.32cm) at priority housekeeping areas or shall demonstrate and assure, through the development and implementation of the housekeeping program, that equivalent protection is provided.

(3)   The use of compressed air to blow dust from ledges, walls, and other areas shall only be permitted when all machinery that presents an ignition source in the area is shut down and all other known potential ignition sources in the area are removed or controlled.

(4)       Grain and product spills shall not be considered fugitive grain dust accumulations. However, the housekeeping program shall address the procedures for removing such spills from the work area.

History: 1988 AACS; 2014 AACS.