OSHA Inspection: PEN TAB INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Jun 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1979:  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.  On or about November 19, 1992, an employee, machine operator, working
on the right side of the number 2 Hisen heat sealing machine in the
production area was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess
of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
recommended limits.  The Hisen heat sealer operated at a frequency of
27.12
megahertz (MHz).
Significantly high readings were measured at the employee's seat level
of 11,610 V2/M2.  These measurements are 2.53 times the IEEE electric
field
recommended limit.
b.  On or about November 19, 1992, an employee machine operator, working
on the right side of the number 1 Hisen heat sealing machine in the
produc-
tion area was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recommended
limits.
The Hisen heat sealer operated at a frequency of 27.12 megahertz (MHz).
Significantly high readings were measured at the employee's head level
of 5000 V2/M2.  These measurements are 1.08 times the IEEE electric field
recommended limit.
c.  On or about November 19, 1992, an employee machine operator, working
on
the right side of the number 6 Thermatron heat sealing machine in the
production area was exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation in excess of
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recommended
limits.  The Hisen heat sealer operated at a frequency of 27.12 megahertz
(MHz).
Significantly high readings were measured at the employee's head and seat
levels of 5778-7222 V2/M2.  These measurements are 1.25-1.57 times the
IEEE electric field recommended limit.
The recommended limits are as follows:
Electric Field (V2/M2)
ACGIH         4,613
IEEE          4,596
Excessive exposure to absorbed energy from radio frequencies can cause
reproductive damage, immunosuppressive illness, and cardiopulmonary system
dysfunction.
Feasible methods of abatement include, but are not limited to the
following:
1.  Increase distance between operator and energized electrode.
2.  Purchase or make expanded metal RF shields that enclose all major
radiating elements on the machines (including power supplies, tank
circuits, RF transmitter tubes, and solid state devices).
3.  Neutralize all energized connectors which may not as antennae sources.
4.  Provide complete perforated metal shields around upper and lower
heating electrodes.
5.  Install ground shields around all energized connectors that may act
as radiating energy sources.
6.  Purchase a RF meter, Measure and map the power of the RF fields
surrounding the machines.  Use the information to:
a.  Make further improvement sin 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.
7.  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.
8.  Training for employees concerning any implanted metal in the body,
such as, metal plates in the head, copper interuterine devices, pins in
bones, and pacemakers, should be instructed to consult their physicians.

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Apr 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

May 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $1,350

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Apr 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

May 15, 1993

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $3,500 Reduced

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Apr 5, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Jul 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $3,500 Reduced

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Jul 4, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Apr 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Mar 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $1,350

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Mar 8, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Mar 15, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Mar 8, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Apr 5, 1993

Issued

Mar 3, 1993

Abate by

Mar 8, 1993