OSHA Inspection: WELLCRAFT MARINE CORP.

Issued

Oct 29, 1987

Abate by

Oct 31, 1988

Penalty

Initial $720 · Current $500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to
the hazard of excessive heat stress:
a) Employees in the hull grinding area were exposed to the hazard of
excessive heat stress while grinding hulls with pneumatic grinders.
Typically, this operation involves the wearing of a Tyvek coverall
taped at the sleeves to PVA gloves and at the legs to boots. In
addition hearing protection, a face shield and a negative pressure
respirator are worn, Tyvek is hooded.
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGI), recorded during a survey
on 9/10/87, ranged from a low of 26.0 degrees centigrade to 27.8
degrees centigrade in the grinding room. Such exposures may lead to
the development of serious heat induced ilnesses: heat stroke, heat
exhaustion, cramps, and behavioral disorders, as correlated to the
guidelines established by the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists and the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health.
Among other methods, one feasible and useful abatement method would be
to implement changes in work practice. Specifically, the hull grinding
operation could be confined to night time, evening and early morning
hours; or to times when ambient temperatures are cooler.
A second method would be to limit exposure to excessive heat through a
work/rest regimine, as described in the American Conference of
Governmental Hygienists booklet of Threshold Limit Values and Biological
Exposure Indices for 1986-1987. This work/rest regimine should be based
on established mean temperature readings in the work area.
A water supplementation schedule presented in such a manner that
employees are stimulated to drink small amounts of a cool liquid every
15 to 20 minutes will serve to augment any control measures used.
Other considerations include an assessment of physical fitness and
acclimatization of employees, as well as, the type of clothing and
personal protective equipment when working under hot environmental
conditions.
Training of employees and supervision in the recognition and treatment
of heat related illness prior to being placed in the hot work
environment is also recommended.
An additional method could be to utilize a supplied air vortex to a
suit, helmet or vest.

Issued

Oct 29, 1987

Abate by

Nov 6, 1987

Issued

Oct 29, 1987

Abate by

Nov 2, 1987

Issued

Oct 29, 1987

Abate by

Nov 2, 1987