OSHA Inspection: PIONEER GIN INC.

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Feb 7, 2006

Penalty

Initial $525 · Current $315 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 the condition(s) listed below:
Pioneer Gin, Inc., Route 4 Box 414, Seminole, TX.  For the period of time
up to and including
12/02/05, employees were not protected from electrical hazards due to the
following condition:
A 110-volt outlet indicated a no ground condition when tested.
Under the National Electric Code (NEC 2005), Article 547.9(B)(3)(a) states
"The grounded
circuit conductor shall be connected to the building disconnecting means
and to the grounding
electrode system of that building or structure where all the requirements
of 250.32(B)(2) are
met."
One feasible and acceptable abatement method would be to ensure all
electrical equipment
is installed / maintained in accordance with Article 547 of the National
Electric Code.
"Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19(d), the employer must provide documentation
that this
violation has been abated within 10 calendar days after the abatement
date."ent

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Penalty

Initial $525 · Current $315 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 the condition(s) listed below:
Pioneer Gin, Inc., Route 4 Box 414, Seminole, TX.  For the period of time
up to and including
12/02/05, employees were not protected from fall hazards due to the
following conditions:
a)  The ladder access entry at the #3 and #4 stick machines did not have a
chain / door.
b)  The catwalk near the incline cleaner had a 68-inch span without a
guardrail.
c)  The stairway leading to the area under the press did not have a
midrail in place.
d)  A floor hole at the #1 gin stand was not guarded.
e)  Two floor holes in the screw auger / conveyor area of the module
feeder were not
guarded.
Under the American National Standard A12.1 1973, paragraph 5.2 states
"Every runway shall
be guarded by a railing (or the equivalent as specified in 7.3) on all
open sides 4 feet or more
above floor or ground level."
Under the American National Standard A12.1 1973, paragraph 7.1 states "A
guard railing shall
consist of top rail, intermediated rail or equivalent protection, and
posts, and shall have a
vertical height within the range of 36 inches to 42 inches nominal from
upper surface of top rail
to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level."
Under the American National Standard A12.1 1973, paragraph 7.2 states "A
stair railing shall
be of construction similar to a guard railing, but the vertical height
shall be not more than 42
inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to
the
surface of the tread
in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread."
Under the American National Standard A12.1 1973, paragraph 3.2 states
"Every ladderway floor
opening or platform shall be guarded by a guard railing with a toeboard on
all exposed sides
(except entrance to opening), and with the passage through the railing
provided so that a person
cannot walk directly into the opening."
Under the American National Standard A12.1 1973, paragraph 3.8 states
"Every floor hole shall
be guarded by either (1) a railing with toeboard on all exposed sides, or
(2) a floor hole cover
of sufficient strength.  While the cover is not in place, the floor hole
shall be attended or shall
be protected by a removable guard railing."
One feasible and acceptable abatement method would be to ensure all
walking / working
surfaces are installed / maintained in accordance with A12.1 of the
American National
Standards.
"Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19(d), the employer must provide documentation
that this
violation has been abated within 10 calendar days after the abatement
date."ent

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Penalty

Initial $525 · Current $315 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 the condition(s) listed below:
Pioneer Gin, Inc., Route 4 Box 414, Seminole, TX.  For the period of time
up to and including
12/02/05, employees were not protected from fire hazards due to the
following conditions:
a)  Three oxygen and four acetylene compressed gas cylinders were stored
together.
b)  The oxygen and acetylene compressed gas cylinders were not stored in a
protected
area.
Under the American National Standard Z49.1 1973, paragraph 3.2.3.3 states
"Oxygen cylinders
in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders, reserve socks of
carbides, or highly
combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20
feet or by a
noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance
rating of at least one-half
hour."
Under the American National Standard Z49.1 1973, paragraph 3.2.3.5.1
states "Cylinders shall
be stored away from elevators, stairs or gangways in assigned places where
cylinders will not
be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects."
One feasible and acceptable abatement method would be to ensure employees
are trained
and comprehend Z49.1 of the American National Standards regarding welding
and cutting
operations and safety.
"Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19(d), the employer must provide documentation
that
this
violation has been abated within 10 calendar days after the abatement
date."ent

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Issued

Jan 11, 2006

Abate by

Apr 12, 2006

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced