OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
October 24, 1990
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| FROM: |
THOMAS J. SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin - Electric Hog Stunning Devices |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood safety and health
hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and engineering
controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by the field
staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Information is compiled based on a
comprehensive evaluation of available facts and literature, and in
coordination with appropriate parties. HIBs do not necessarily reflect OSHA
policy.
The Kansas City Regional Office brought to our attention that the Division
of Labor Services, State of Iowa, cited a meat packing company for using
electric hog stunning devices which were not approved by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory. The State of Iowa requested information
regarding abatement methods.
We have contacted the nationally recognized testing laboratories:
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.; Factory Mutual Research Corporation; MET
Electrical Testing Company, Inc.; Dash, Straus and Goodhue, Inc.; and ETL
Testing Laboratories, Inc. for information regarding the approval of electric
stunning devices. None has done any testing on electrical hog stunners.
OSHA's electrical standards provide that electrical equipment, such as
electric stunners, are acceptable only if approved by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
The hazards of electric stunning devices are electrical shock, burns, and
electrocution. The Hog Dressing Safety and Health Guide of the Industrial
Accident Prevention Association of Ontario, Canada recommends the following
control measures to make electric stunning a safer process:
* Train the operator in the proper and safe use of
stunners.
* Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by trained,
qualified electrician.
* Use only approved and grounded stunners.
* Operators should wear rubber-soled safety boots and rubber
gloves.
* Work areas should be kept as dry as possible.
* Individual(s) in the immediate area should be trained in
recognizing and providing first aid to electric shock victims.
* An on-off control switch should be readily accessible to the
operator and others in the immediate area.
* Provide and use safe, secure storage for stunners when not in
use.
Compliance and consultation personnel should be aware of the hazards of
electric hog stunners and that the electric hog stunning devices should be
approved as stated in 29 CFR 1910.399.
Please distribute this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Projects.
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