OSHA Inspection: VINEYARD PLATING AND SUPPLY COMPANY

Issued

Oct 2, 1990

Abate by

Dec 25, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $400 Reduced

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:
a) An employee, machine operator, working on the front side of the
number 1 Solidyne, Inc. Heat Sealing machine in the production
area was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygientists (ACGIH)
recommended limits. The Solidyne Heat Sealer operated at a
frequency of 27.12 Megahertz (MHz). Levels in excess of the
recommended limits was rated in the electric field for the
following body regions: forehead/eyes, upper arms and hands.
levels in excess of the recommended limits were noted in the
magnetic field for the following body regions: forehead/eyes,
chest, upper arms, hands, gonads and calves.
b) An employee, machine operator, working on the south side of
the number 1 Solidyne, Inc. Heat Sealing machine in the production
area was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
recommended limits. The Solidyne Heat Sealer operated at a
frequency of 27.12 Megahertz (MGz). Levels in excess of the
recommended limits were noted in the electric field for the
following body regions: forehead/eyes, chest, hands, gonads and
calves.
c) An employee, machine operator, working on the north side of the
number 1 Solidyne, Inc. Heat Sealing machine in the production area
was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of the
American Conference of Hovernmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
recommended limits. The Solidyne Heat Sealer operated at a frequency
of 27.12 Megahertz (MHz). Levels in excess of the recommended limits
were noted in the electric field for the following body regions:
forehead/eyes and hands.
d) An employee, machine operator, working on the front side of the
number 3 Kabar Heat Sealing machine in the production area was
exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of the American
National Standards Industrial Institute (ANSI) and American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended
limits. The Kabar Heat Sealer operated at a frequency of 27.12
Megahertz (MHz). Levels in excess of the recommended limits were
rated in the electric field for the following body regions:
forehead/eyes, chest, upper arms, hands, gonads and calves. Levels
in excess of the recommended limits were noted in the magnetic field
for the following body regions: forehead/eyes, chest, upper arms,
hands, gonads and calves.
g) An employee, machine operator, working on the north side of
the number 4 Kabar Heat Sealing machine in the production area
was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
recommended limits. The Kabar Heat Sealer operated at a frequency
of 27.12 Megahertz (MHz). Levels in excess of the recommended
limits were noted in the electric field for the following body
regions: forehead/eyes, chest, hands, gonads and calves. Levels
in excess of the recommended limits were noted in the magnetic
field for the following body regions: forehead/eyes, chest, hands,
gonads and calves.
h) An employee, machine operator, working on the front side of
the number 4 Kabar Heat Sealing machine in the production area
was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
recommended limits. The Kabar Heat Sealer operated at a frequency
of 27.12 Megahertz (MHz). Levels in excess of the recommended
limits were noted in the electric field for the following body
regions: forehead/eyes, hands and gonads.
The recommended limits are as follows:
Electric Field (V2/M2) Magnectic Field (A2/M2)
ACGIH   4.613          0.03
ANSI    4.895          0.03
These limits are referenced in the ACGIH 1988-1989 Radio Frequency/Micro
wave Threshold Limit Values and in ANSI C95. 1-1982, American National
Standard Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 300 Hz to 100GHz.
Excessive exposure to absorbed energy from radio frequencies
can cause reproduction damage, immunosuppressive illnesses
and cardiopulmonary system dysfunction.
Feasible methods of abatement include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1) Purchase or make expanded metal RF shields that enclose all
the major radiating elements on the machines (including power
supplies, tank circuits, RF transmitter tubes, and solid state
devices.
2) Provide complete perforated metal shield around the upper and
lower heating electrodes.
3) Install and ground shields around all energized connections
that may act as radiating energy sources.
4) Purchase a RF meter. Measure and map the power of the RF fields
surrounding the machines, use the information to:
a) Make further improvements in RF shields.
b) Maintain RF shields and all covers in a closed and fully
grounded condition.
c) Instruct workers on the locations of high energy fields
surrounding the machines.
5) Make appropriate parts holding fixtures and devices that will allow
workers to place the part(s) in the machine, close the RF shield(s),
and operate the machine with hands and bodies as far away from the
machine as is practical. Establish procedures for the processing of
parts. Instruct workers in the use of the machines to minimize their
exposure to RF energy. Enforce the procedures.
6) Make periodic RF meter and visual inspections to determine that
prescribed levels are being maintained, both with the machine empty
and while performing useful work.

Issued

Oct 2, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $60

Issued

Oct 2, 1990

Abate by

Oct 8, 1990