OSHA Inspection: PRECIOUS METAL REFINING SERVICES, INC.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 02300360068507200731

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employees or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer did not establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures:    a) Precious Metals  Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL, did not ensure that a written respiratory protection program was established and implemented for those employees required to wear respiratory protection, including full-face or half mask elastomeric respirators with particulate filters and/ or appropriate chemical cartridges.    The respiratory protection program shall include, at a minimum:    -procedures for selecting respirators;   -medical evaluations;   -fit testing;   -procedures for proper use in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;   -procedures for cleaning, storing, inspecting, repairing and discarding respirators;   -employee training regarding respiratory hazards they are exposed to, proper uses and limitations of respirators; and   -procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the respirator program.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 02300360068507200731

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda IL, did not ensure that employees required to wear half mask or full face elastomeric respirators with particulate filters and/or chemical cartridges were provided medical evaluations to medically qualify an employee for respirator use.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

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) Precious Metals Refining Services,Inc., Wauconda, IL, did not ensure that employees required to wear full face or half mask elastomeric respirators with particulate filters or appropriate chemical cartridges were 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.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 049107312240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A):Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL- Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by a Refining employee who had a moustache.    b) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL-Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by another Refining employee that had facial stubble.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-08-14 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3600.00 · Current $2520.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1)(i): Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee were not cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition:    a)Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL- Employee-assigned respirators were not cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i): Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or  were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL- Fulll-face and half mask respirators were observed hanging on hooks and laying on work tables in work areas where acids and metals were present. Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination & damaging chemicals, or were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve.      No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k): The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable respirator training which did not occur annually and/or more often if necessary:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL, did not provide annual comprehensive respirator training ensuring that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following in accordance with the OSHA Standard:    -Why the respirator is necessary, and how improper fit, usage or maintenance can  compromise the protective effect of the respirator;  -What the capabilities and limitations of the respirator are;  -How to use the respirators effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;  -How to inspect, put on, remove, use & check the seals of the respirator;  -What the procedures are for maintenance & storage of the respirator;  -How to recognize medical signs & symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators, and  -The general requirements of this Section.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-07-26 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3600.00 · Current $2520.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 03600731152015912240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(g)(2): Employees were permitted to consume food or beverage in area(s) exposed to toxic materials:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL, set up the water dispenser & disposable cups in the metals refining room where employees are exposed to metal fumes.  Employees were also allowed to consume other beverages such as bottled soda in the refining (melting) room. Wipe sampling results indicated surface contamination of the water dispenser, the bag of disposable cups, the coffee pot handle, microwave face display buttons and conference table used for lunch with metals such as zinc oxide, iron oxide, beryllium, cadmium and copper.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $1680.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of silver listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of .01 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/M3) of air:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wacuconda, IL- A Melting/Refining employee was exposed to airborne levels of silver at an 8-hour time-weighted average level of .03 mg/M3, approximately 3 times the OSHA 8-hour time-weighted average Permissible Exposure Limit of .01 mg/M3. This permissible exposure limit is established to prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin, as well as, cumulative skin pigmentation and organ accumulation. The exposure level was derived from a sample taken over a 367 minute period during one shift on March 16, 2012. Zero Exposure was assumed for the unsampled period of 113 minutes.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL- Effective engineering or administrative controls were not instituted and maintained by the employer for the melting/refining operation to reduce employee exposure to levels of airborne silver below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of .1 ug/m3 as an 8-hour time weighted average. An employee performing the melting/refining on March 16, 2012 was exposed to airborne concentrations of silver in excess of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).    Methods of engineering, administratvie and work practice controls under these circumstances include, but are not limited to:    1) Seek appropriate expertise of a competent individual such as an engineer or industrial hygienist who may provide independent consulting service to assess the task, working conditions, the materials being processed, and the equipment & tools used;    2) Perform a comprehensive ventilation survey, and thorough inspection & maintenance of the local ventilation/exhaust equipment;    3) Determine whether the capture velocity for the system is adequate, and if necessary, make changes to the system to improve the ventilation/exhaust, and reduce employee exposures.    4) Limit employee exposures by rotating the employees performing such operations;    5) Limit the length of time the operation is done per employee during the workshift;    6) Ensure the respiratory protective equipment used by employees is properly used & maintained;       ABATEMENT NOTE:    STEP 1:  An effective respiratory protection program shall be implemented and used by the affected employee(s) as an interim measure of protection.    Abatement date:   09/12/2012    STEP 2:  A written detailed plan of abatement shall be submitted to the Area Director outlining a schedule for the implementation of engineering and/or administrative measure to control employee exposures to silver as referenced in the citation.  This plan shall include, at aminimum, target dates for the following action, which must be consistent with the dates required by this citation:    (1)  Evaluation of engineering/administrative controls;  (2)  Selection of the optimum control methods and completion of design;  (3)  Procurement, installation and operation of selected control measures;  (4) Testing and acceptance or modification/redesign of controls.    All proposed control measure shall be evaluated for each particular use by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified persons(s).  30-day progress reports to OSHA are required during the abatement period.    Abatement date: 10/25/2012    STEP 3:  Abatement shall have been completed by the implementaiton of feasible engineering and/or administrative controls upon verification of their effectiveness in achieving compliance.    Abatement date: 1/09/2012

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-07-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3600.00 · Current $2520.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(h)(1): All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead.    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL- All surfaces were not maintained as free as practicable of accumulation of lead. Wipe samples taken on February 28, 2012 identified the presence of lead contamination at work areas, including the table in the conference room used by employees during lunch, water cooler, outside of the plastic bag containing foam drinking cups, door handle for the refrigerator, time clock card holder, door knob in fire assay room and main door handle.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1800.00 · Current $1260.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances C141

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1027(d)(1)(i): The employer did not determine whether any employee was exposed to cadmium at or above the action level:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services,Inc., Wauconda, IL- The employer did not perform an initial determination using exposure monitoring as required by the OSHA Cadmium Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1027, to determine whether employees working with molten metals were exposed to cadmium at or above the action level.    No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3000.00 · Current $2100.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 07311430184018602240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1):  The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL, did not develop, implement and maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the following program elements must be met for the hazardous chemicals that employees used or were exposed to in the workplace including, but not limited to nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, cadmium, beryllium, nickel, copper and silver:    -Labeling requirements for the containers of hazardous chemicals;  -Maintenance and availability of material safety data sheets;  -Employee training;  -A complete and accurate list of the hazardous chemicals known to be in the workplace;  -Methods to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks;  -Methods to inform other employers/contractors of material safety data sheet availability, labeling system and any other precautionary measures to protect employees.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3600.00 · Current $2520.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0360143018602240C141

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): The employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees had not previously been trained about was introduced into their work area.    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Inc., Wauconda, IL, did not provide employees in the Acid Room, Fire Assay Room and Refining/Melting Room hazard communication training as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200.  Employees used and were exposed to hazardous chemicals including, but not limited to, silver, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, nickel, copper and cadmium.  The training must address at least the following:    -The requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard;  -The hazardous chemicals in their work area, and the operations in the work area where hazardous chemicals are present;  -The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area, and the measures employees can use to protect themselves, such as work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used;  -The methods and observations used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area;  -The labeling system and material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and how workers can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information;  -The location and availability of material safety data sheets (MSDSs).    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $510.00 · Current $357.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.32(a)(4): The employer did not post an OSHA 300A Form or equivalent by February 1 thru April 30.  Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL- On or about February 28, 2012, the employer failed to post the annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses.    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL, did not post the OSHA Form 300A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses for calendar year 2011.    No abatement documentation or certification is required for this item.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 03600731143015911860

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 that identifies the workplace evaluated, the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment:      a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL, did not verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identified the work areas evaluated, the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(d)(2): An initial determination was not made to determine if any employee may be exposed to lead at or above the action level:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services, Wauconda, IL, did not perform an initial determination by conducting personal sampling in accordance with the OSHA lead Standard to determine whether employees were exposed to lead at or above the action level.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2012-07-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-09-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(l)(1)(i): Employee(s) working in an area where there is potential exposure to airborne lead at any level were not informed of the content of Appendices A and B of 29 CFR 1910.1025:    a) Precious Metals Refining Services,Inc., Wauconda, IL, did not provide to employees potentially exposed to lead in their workplace the information contained in Appendices A and B of the OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1025 for occupational exposure to lead.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).