OSHA Inspection: SPRINGS TRANSMISSIONS & AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

General-duty citation text

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to crushing hazards while using a non-motorized garage door that was damaged and does not hold in place.  The door is kept propped open during work hours with a piece of wood or other device.    Abatement Note:  Amond other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to repair the springs and other parts of the door or replace the door itself so that it functions properly.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $2,400 · Current $2,400

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to eye injuries from flying particles, debris and chemicals in that the employer did not effectively enforce the use of eye protection during activities such as power tool operation.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to injuries while using compressed air blow guns for cleaning that operated in excess of 30 p.s.i.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $2,400 · Current $2,400

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(vii): Where relocation of combustible was impracticable, cutting or welding was permitted when combustibles were not protected with flameproofed covers or otherwise shielded with metal, asbestos guards, or curtains:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to fire hazards where welding was permitted in the shop area where combustible materials such as, but not limited to, open containers of transmission fluid and motor oil as well as cardboard boxes and paper which were within 35 feet of welding operations or were not otherwise protected.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(b)(3):  Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations were not protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.132:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to burn injuries from sparks while performing welding and cutting work without adequate protective clothing and/or coverings for the extremities and torso such as but not limited to welding leathers.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(e)(3)(ii)(C)(3): Flashback protection was not provided by an approved device that would prevent flame from passing into the fuel gas system:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to injury while using an oxy/acetylene cutting torch that was not equipped with flashback protection.     Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 17, 2011

Penalty

Initial $28,000 · Current $28,000

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer is not furnishing employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees are being exposed to crushing hazards because hydraulic automotive lifts lack necessary safety devices and are being used improperly.  This condition/practice was recently observed on May 19, 2011.  More specifically, Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc., is not ensuring that employees are protected from injury while using hydraulic lifts at the facility as follows:    1.  The safety locking mechanisms (bars) originally installed on the two in-ground hydraulic floor lifts in the facility were not in place and were not functional.  Without these devices in place, there is nothing to prevent the lifts from collapsing if hydraulic pressure is lost.    2.  On the two in-ground hydraulic floor lifts and one other lift, lift supports were not placed under and in contact with the vehicles in a safe and secure manner.  Blocks of wood and poorly fabricated adapter pads were used to support vehicles.  Pads were also placed under unstable vehicle members such as shock mounts to support the weight of vehicles.    3.  No maximum capacity information, operating instructions, or other pertinent manufacturer information was posted or available for the two in-ground hydraulic floor lifts.    4.  Employees operating hydraulic lifts in the shop were not provided with training necessary to operate the lifts in a safe manner.    5.  The hydraulic lifts in the shop had not been inspected by a qualified person for proper operation, proper functioning of safety devices, and structural condition.      Abatement Note:  Among other methods, several feasible and acceptable methods of abatement to correct these hazards would be to implement the requirements of the American National Standard for Automotive Lifts - Safety Requirements for Operation, Inspection and Maintenance (ANSI/ALI ALOIM - 1994) as well as the guidelines found in "Lifting it Right", a safety manual from the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).  These documents require lifts to be inspected to ensure that they are functioning properly and safely.  They also suggest using vehicle manufacturer recommendations with regard to vehicle lifting points where lift supports contact the vehicle.  These documents require that manufacturer and the ALI manual be onsite and used for training of operators.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii):  Flammable or combustible liquid(s) were not stored in tanks or closed container(s):    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to fire hazards in that, combustible liquids such as mineral spirits and transmission fluid were stored in open containers.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1, Item 3 issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer did not perform a hazard assessment to determine the types of hazards present in the work environment and identify the types of personal protective equipment required to be used to protect employees exposed to hazards such as, but not limited to, hazardous chemicals, burns, flying chips and particles, and lacerations.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1, Item 4a issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer did not provide an eye wash station in the facility where employees were exposed to acid while charging batteries.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.151(c) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 5a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,800 · Current $4,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(b): Material stored in tiers was not stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to struck-by and crushing hazards due to improper storage of parts and materials on shelves where these items were not stored securely and placed in a manner which would prevent movement, falling or collapse.  Wood shelving on the upper level was overloaded, causing the shelves to bow.  The employer also did not know the load capacity of the floor that was supporting this shelving and storage of loose materials.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.176(b) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 6a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(c): Storage areas were not kept free from accumulation of materials that constituted hazards from tripping, fire, explosion or pest harborage:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to tripping hazards from the storage of parts and materials throughout the shop which were stored all over the floor and on stairs.  Fire hazards were also created by the storage of combustible materials such as boxes and flammable/combustible liquids.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.176(c) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 6b, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,800 · Current $4,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to injury while operating an abrasive wheel bench grinder, where the work rest was not maintained at 1/8 inch from the wheel.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 7a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to injury while operating an abrasive wheel bench grinder that did not have a tongue guard in place to protect the operator.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 7b, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers identified for the purpose:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical hazards while working near a junction box on the north wall of the shop that did not have an adequately installed cover.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 10a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Flexible cords and/ or cables were used for purposes prohibited by paragraphs (A) through (F) of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv):    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to fire and electrical hazards in that, extension cords were used throughout the shop as a substitute for fixed wiring and attached to building surfaces.  Cords were routed over lighting fixtures, structures and hydraulic lifts to provide power.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(iv)(A) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 11, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,800 · Current $4,800

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii): When there was a defect or evidence of damage that could expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item was not removed from service so no employee could use it until the repairs and tests necessary to render the electric equipment safe had been made:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical hazards while using extension cords with damaged outer jackets.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 9a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jun 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(i): A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment did not contain an equipment grounding conductor:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical hazards  while using an extension cord that was missing a grounding pin.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(i) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 9c, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program which at included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):     a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer failed to develop and implement a hazard communication program in order to minimize hazardous chemical exposures for employees who used a variety of fuels, degreasers, cleaners, solvents, lubricants and paints on a daily basis.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 13a, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer did not ensure that containers of chemicals including, but not limited to, oils, fuels and solvents were labeled with the identity of the chemical contained within.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 13b, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8): The employer did not maintain copies of the required material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical in the workplace:     a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, copies of material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical in the workplace were not maintained.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 13c, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1):  Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:     a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer had not provided to employees on the hazardous chemicals they use to afford them the knowledge of hazards associated with these chemicals and methods to use to prevent exposure.    Springs Transmission and Automotive, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard, or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1) which was contained in OSHA inspection 313718355 Citation 1 item 13d, issued on April 5, 2010 and became a final order on April 29, 2010 with respect to a worksite located at 3310 Chelton Loop North, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.29(a): A Log of all Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300), and/or the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, (OSHA Form 300-A), and/or the Injury and Illness Incident Report (OSHA Form 301) or equivalent forms were not kept by the establishment:     a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and a times prior, the employer did not maintain A Log of all Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300), and/or the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, (OSHA Form 300-A), and/or the Injury and Illness Incident Report (OSHA Form 301) or equivalent forms for the establishment.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.

Issued

Jun 16, 2011

Abate by

Jul 8, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(b): First aid supplies approved by a consulting physician were not readily available:    a)  On or about May 19, 2011 and at times prior, the employer did not have adequate first aid supplies available for use by employees.    Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item. See enclosed Sample Abatement Certification Letter.