OSHA Inspection: GENTEK BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC./SIDING DIV.

Issued

Jan 4, 2007

Abate by

Feb 2, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $2,625

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 rotating parts of in-running rollers:
a/  Gentek Siding Div./Avenel NJ Site - Fabrication Area:  The procedure
provided by
the employer to safe-guard employees against in-running nip points was
inadequate, in
that, specific steps and/or other approved means were not provided to:  1/
control the
use "Pyroil Non-Chlorinated Brake Parks Cleaner" during roller cleaning
operations and
2/  ensure that jog-controls were properly used during material feeding
and/or set-up
operations.
Cleaning Operation:
** "Pyroil" is controlled and issued to the "ender" operator by a
supervisor.
There
is no supervisory control after the product has been issued to the user.
**  The "Tender" operator is responsible for cleaning the rollers of
approx. 19 roll
former machines - not necessarily at the same time.  When a machine is
cleaned the
"Pyroil" cleaner is left at the last machine cleaned.  The availability of
this product
allows access to unauthorized "operators" to clean their machines, thereby
potentially
exposing them to rotating parts of machinery.
Material Feeding Operation:
** Jog controls are used in lieu of guards to protect employees from
rotating parts of
machinery.  Operators and/or other employees walk with the controls in
their hands (near
in-running rollers) prior to performing material feeding and/or set up
operations.
Employees are exposed to in-running nip points if the jog controls are
accidentally
activated.   Observed 12/14/06.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to create a documented specific step, safe operating procedure, outlining
all steps to be followed
to control the use of "Pyroil" cleaner.
The employer must provide a safety procedure for using the jog controls.
The procedure must
include, but not limited to, precautions when handling the jog controls; a
safe distance to be used
when walking around the machines; slipping/tripping hazards around the
machines, the hazard
of in-running nip points, etc.
Note:  The procedure must be such that in the absence of the trainer, the
trainee and/or
other employee will be able to perform the operation safely.

Issued

Jan 4, 2007

Abate by

Feb 2, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,275 · Current $1,275