OSHA Inspection: STEELSTAR CORPORATION

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Dec 14, 2011

Penalty

Initial $1,785 · Current $893 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(2):  The quantity of flammable or combustible liquids kept in the vicinity of spraying operations exceeded the minimum required for operations and ordinarily exceeded a supply for 1 day or one shift:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the quantity of flammable or combustible liquids kept in the vicinity of spraying operations exceeded the minimum required for operations for one day or one shift.  Multiple buckets containing paints and thinners are temporarily stored in the outdoor paint storage shed.  This condition exposes employees to a fire hazard.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Jan 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(5):  Containers supplying spray nozzles shall be of closed type or provided with metal covers kept closed:    (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, containers supplying spray nozzles were not of closed type or provided with metal covers kept closed in that containers in use during spraying and during storage of the airless sprayer are not effectively covered.  This condition exposes employees to a fire hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Jan 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(9):  Whenever flammable or combustible materials were transferred from one container to another, both containers were not effectively bonded and grounded to prevent discharge sparks of static electricity:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, whenever flammable or combustible materials were transferred from one container to another, both containers were not effectively bonded and grounded in that while adding thinner and while combining partial containers of paint containing thinner, containers have not been bonded and grounded.  This condition exposes employees to a fire hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Jan 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(5):  The use of solvents for cleaning operations was not restricted to those having flashpoints not less than 100 degrees F:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, solvents used for cleaning operations for the spray finishing operations have flashpoints below 100 degrees F.  Employees use lacquer thinner and xylenes for cleaning the airless sprayer which have flashpoints of 1 and 80 degrees F, respectively.  This condition exposes employees to a fire hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Jan 16, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,400 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2):  The employer did not implement a change schedule for respirators not equipped with an End of Service Life Indicator that would ensure cartridges were changed before the end of their service life:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not implement a change schedule for the cartridges used by the painter.  The painter uses a 3M full-face respirator and cartridges to conduct painting.  The 3M 6001 cartridges are not equipped with an End of Service Life Indicator to ensure that cartridges are changed before the end of their service lift.  This condition potentially exposes employees to a respiratory hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).  Steelstar Corporation, at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514, was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2), which was contained in Item 2 of Citation 1 issued on March 28, 2008 (OSHA Inspection number  310472360).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Dec 14, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(1):  When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceeded the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program for noise when in that operations such as, but not limited to, cutting on the band saw and grinding generate excessive noise.  Sound level measurements taken on August 30, 2011 were 85.7 decibels at the band saw (which was on but not actively cutting) and 91.2 decibels in the middle of the fabrication shop.  On September 10, 2011, one employee was found to have an 85.0 decibel (51.9% dose) noise exposure for that days work.  This condition exposes employees to an excessive noise dose.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Dec 14, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2):  The employer did not verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification which included the requirements as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2):  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not ensure that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed for fabrication operations.  Employees conduct operations such as, but not limited to, cutting, drilling, welding, painting and blasting.  This condition potentially exposes employees to hazards such as, burns and eye damage.    Abatement Note:  The written certification that shall identify the following:  1.  The workplace evaluated;  2.  The person certifying that the evaluation has been performed;  3.  The date(s) of the hazard assessment; and  4.  The document as a certification of hazard assessment.  Abatement Note:  The current workplace hazard assessment in effect does not provide clear information regarding:    1.  Specific personal protective equipment for each task within a work operation (ie. painting operation tasks such as, but not limited to, mixing of paints and cleaning of sprayer);   2.  Specific identification of the hazard-producing work operation; and,  3.  Required personal protective equipment versus voluntary personal protective equipment.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1):  A written respiratory protection program with worksite specific procedures, as specified in subparagraphs (c)(1)(i) through (ix) of this section, was not established and implemented where respirator(s) were necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirator(s) were required by the employer:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not ensure a worksite specific written respiratory program was established and implemented in the workplace when the use of respirators was required during production tasks.  The employer provides full-face respirators for painting, N95 respirators for galvanized steel fabrication work and plasma-cutting, and a supplied air hood for sandblasting.  The written respiratory program does not specify respirator usage requirements for welding, painting, plasma-cutting or sandblasting, nor does the program include a record of past air monitoring which supports the decision for respirator use.  This condition exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with the use of negative pressure respirators.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii):  The employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace which includes a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazards and identification of the contaminants chemical state and physical form:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace.  Employees weld on structural steel and miscellaneous parts.  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with welding fumes.  (b)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace.  Employees grind and torch-cut on structural steel and miscellaneous parts.  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with metal particulates.  (c) Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace.  Employees paint steel structural and miscellaneous parts.  Employees use Sherwin-Williams Steel Spec Structural Steel Primer  Gray containing silica, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide.  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with silica and respirable dust.  (d)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace.  Employees weld on galvanized steel.  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with welding fumes.  (e)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace.  Employees plasma cut on mild steel.  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with welding fumes.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for items (d) and (e) (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).  The abatement was completed for items (a), (b), and (c) as part of this inspection.

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2):  The employer did not ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator was fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not ensure that employees required to wear tight-fitting facepiece N95 respirators were fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator.  Employees wear 3M N95 respirators while performing welding and grinding on galvanized steel.  This condition exposed employees to respiratory hazards.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)[A]:  The employer permitted respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer permitted two employees to wear tight-fitting respirators with facial hair.  These employees wore 3M 8215 N95 respirators while grinding and welding on galvanized steel.  This condition potentially exposed employees to a respiratory hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(7):  For oil-lubricated compressors, the employer did not use high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarms, or both, to monitor carbon monoxide levels:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not use a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm to monitor carbon monoxide levels for the sandblasting operation.  This condition exposes employees to asphyxiation.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k):  The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable, annual training for employees required to wear respirators in the workplace:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable, annual training for employees wearing respirators in the workplace.  Employees wear full-face respirators while painting and N95 respirators while welding on galvanized steel.  Employees were unaware of user seal checks, respirator storage, the cartridge change-out schedule, and the limitations of having facial hair.  This condition potentially exposes employees to a respiratory hazard.  Abatement Note:  The employer shall ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:  (i)  Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;   (ii)  What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;  (iii)  How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;  (iv)  How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals fo the respirator;  (v)  What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator;  (vi)  How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators; and,  (vii)  The general requirements of this section.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(d)(2)(i):  The employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by 29 CFR 1910.1026 did not determine the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee exposed to chromium(VI):    (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not determine the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee exposed to chromium(VI) for operations such as, but not limited to, welding and plasma cutting on stainless steel.  These activities expose employees to chromium(VI).  This condition potentially exposes employees to respiratory hazards associated with chromium(VI).  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

Nov 29, 2011

Abate by

Feb 15, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5):  The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged, or marked with the identity and appropriate hazard warnings regarding the chemicals contained therein:  (a)  Steelstar Corporation at 101 Miller Drive, Dacono, CO 80514:  On and before August 30, 2011, the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the paint shed was labeled with the identity and appropriate hazard warning regarding the chemicals contained therein.  Buckets containing varying amounts of paint and thinner have not been labeled appropriately with the chemicals contained within them.  This condition exposes employees to a chemical hazard.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).