OSHA Inspection: NORTHWOODS ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIES INC

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 24, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,080 · Current $1,080

Hazardous substances 06891591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1020(e)(3)(i):  The employer did not ensure, upon request, and without derogation of any rights under the Constitution or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 that the employer chose to exercise, the prompt access of representatives to employee exposure and medical records and/or to analyses using exposure or medical records: (Construction reference 1926.33):    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not ensure, upon multiple requests, the prompt access of representatives to employee exposure and medical records and/or to analyses using exposure of medical records for employees who were exposed to airborne lead above the action level and airborne chromium (VI) while performing torch burning and cutting operations.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(l)(3)(ii):  The employer did not provide, upon request, all materials relating to the employee information and training program to the Assistant Secretary and the Director:    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not provide, upon multiple requests, materials relating to the company's employee information and training program for lead for employees who were exposed to airborne lead while performing torch burning and cutting operations.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 24, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(n)(5):  The employer did not make available upon request all records required to be maintained by 29 CFR 1926.62(n) to affected employees, former employees, and their designated representatives, and to the Assistant Secretary and the Director for examination and copying:    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not make available, upon multiple requests, records required to be maintained by 29 CFR 1926.62(n) such as exposure assessments and medical surveillance for employees who were exposed to airborne lead while performing torch burning and cutting operations.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

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: (Construction Reference 1926.59)    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program for employees working with hazardous chemicals such as but not limited to compressed oxygen and propane used for torch burning and metal fumes such as lead, chromium (VI), and copper.    All provisions of 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) through (h) must be covered in a hazard communication program. Key elements include, but are not limited to the following:    1)  Labeling  2)  List of hazardous chemicals  3)  Complete MSDS collection  4)  Employee information and training    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(4):  The employer did not make the written hazard communication program available upon request to the Assistant Secretary and the Director  in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(e): (Construction Reference: 1926.59)    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not make the written hazard communication program available upon multiple requests when employees were working with compressed oxygen and propane used for torch burning and metal fumes such as lead, chromium (VI), and copper.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,160 · Current $2,160

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.56(a):  While work was in progress, construction areas, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops or storage areas were not lighted to the minimum illumination intensities as listed in Table D-3 of 29 CFR 1926.56:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, while work was in progress Torchman, Laborer and Material Handling employees were exposed to trip hazards due to illumination intensities which were less than 1 foot-candle in walkways, corridors, hallways and exitways on the Basement level of the facility.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 2, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(1)(i):  The employer did not initially determine if any employee may be exposed to lead at or above the action level:    On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not initially determined if Torchman employees who were using oxygen/propane torches and chop saws to cut metal were exposed to lead at or above the action level:    a)  Torchman employee, Main Level along southern wall, exposed to lead at an 8-hour TWA of 0.039 mg/m3.    b)  Torchman employee, Basement Level along southern wall, exposed to lead at an 8-hour TWA of 0.007 mg/m3.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 2, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(1)(iii):  The employer did not collect personal samples representative of a full shift, including at least one sample for each job classification in each work area, either for each shift or for the shift with the highest exposure level:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not collected personal samples representative of a full shift for Torchman employees working in the Main level and Basement level of the facility who were operating oxygen/propane torches and chop saws for cutting metal.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(A):  Until the employer performed an employee exposure assessment as required under 29 CFR 1926.62(d) and determined actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide employees performing the tasks described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) with appropriate respiratory protection in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.62(f):    a) On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility and had not provided those employees with appropriate interim respiratory protection.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(f)(1)(iv):  The employer did not provide each employee an appropriate respirator when respirators were required to provide interim protection of employees while they perform the operation specified in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2):    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate interim respiratory protection while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(B):  Until the employer performs an employee exposure assessment as required under paragraph (d) of this section and determines actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide to employees performing the tasks described in (d)(2)(1), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) of this section with interim, appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility and had not provided those employees with appropriate interim personal protective equipment in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(g)(1):  As interim protection for employees performing tasks as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the employer did not proved at no cost to the employee and did not assure that the employee used appropriate protective work clothing and equipment that prevented contamination of the employee and the employee's garments:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate interim protective work clothing and equipment that would prevent contamination of the employees and the employees' garments from lead while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(C):  Until the employer performs an employee exposure assessment as required under paragraph (d) of this section and determines actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide to employees performing the tasks described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) of this section with interim change areas in accordance with paragraph (i)(2) of this section:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility and had not provided those employees with appropriate interim change areas in accordance with paragraph (i)(2) of this section.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(i)(2)(i):  The employer did not provide clean change areas as an interim protection for employees performing tasks as specified in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2), without regard to the use of respirators:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate interim clean change areas for lead while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(D):  Until the employer performs an employee exposure assessment as required under paragraph (d) of this section and determines actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide to employees performing the tasks described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) of this section with interim hand washing facilities in accordance with paragraph (i)(5) of this section:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility and had not provided those employees with appropriate interim hand washing facilities in accordance with paragraph (i)(5) of this section.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(i)(5)(i):  The employer did not provide adequate hand washing facilities for use by employees exposed to lead in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.51(f):    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate hand washing facilities for lead while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(E):  Until the employer performs an employee assessment as required under paragraph (d) of this section and determines actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide to employees performing the tasks described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) of this section with interim biological monitoring in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section, to consist of blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for a Torchman employee located on the Main level of the facility and had not provided that employee with appropriate interim biological monitoring such as blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(j)(1)(i):  The employer did not make available initial medical surveillance, consisting of biological monitoring in the form of blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels, to employees occupationally exposed on any day to lead at or above the action level:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide a Torchman employee located on the Main level of the facility with initial medical surveillance consisting of biological monitoring in the form of blood sampling and analysis for lead and zinc protoporphyrin levels when the employees was exposed to lead above the action level with an 8-hour TWA of 39 ug/m3.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(v)(F):  Until the employer performs an employee exposure assessment as required under paragraph (d) of this section and determines actual employee exposure, the employer did not provide to employees performing the tasks described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(2)(iii), and (d)(2)(iv) of this section with interim training as required under paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section regarding 29 CFR 1926.59 Hazard Communication; and training as required under paragraph (l)(2)(iii) of this section regarding use of respirators.    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not performed employee exposure assessments for Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility and had not provided those employees with appropriate interim training in accordance with paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and (l)(2)(ii)(C) of this section.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(l)(1)(i):  The employer did not communicate information concerning lead hazards according to the requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for the construction industry, 29 CFR 1926.59, including but not limited to the requirements concerning warning signs and labels, material safety datasheets (MSDS), and employee information and training:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate information and training for lead according to requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for the construction industry, 29 CFR 1926.59, while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(l)(2)(iii):  The employer did not ensure that each employee was trained in the purpose, proper selection, fitting, use, and limitations of respirators:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide Torchman employees located on the Main level and Basement level of the facility with appropriate information and training for the purpose, proper selection, fitting, use and limitations of respirators while employees performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(l)(1)(ii):  The employer did not train each employee who were subject to exposure to lead at or above the action level on any day, or who were subject to exposure to lead compounds which may cause skin or eye irritation (e.g., lead arsenate, lead azide) in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.62 and the employer did not institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not provide a Torchman employee, located on the Main level of the facility who was subjected lead exposure above the action limit, with appropriate information and training while the employee performed cutting and torch burning operations as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(d)(2)(iv).    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,520 · Current $2,520

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.62(f)(2)(i):  The employer did not implement a respiratory protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f) through (m) for each employee required by 29 CFR 1926.62 to use a respirator:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer had not established or implemented a written respiratory protection program when Torchman employees located in the Main level and Basement level should have been required to wear respirators as interim protection from lead exposures produced by cutting and torch burning operations.    All provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134(c) through (m) must be covered in a respiratory protection program. Key elements included, but are not limited to the following:    1)  Respirator selection  2)  Medical evaluations  3)  Fit testing  4)  Use, maintenance, care and storage of respirators  5)  Employee training  6)  Program evaluation  7)  Recordkeeping    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Oct 19, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(m)(4):  Written materials required to be retained under 29 CFR 1910.134 were not made available upon request to affected employees and to the Assistant Secretary or designee for examination and copying:  (Construction Reference 1926.103)    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not make the written respiratory protection program, employee medical evaluations or employee fit testing records available upon multiple requests when employees were expose to airborne lead and the employer had not conducted an employee exposure assessment.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,440 · Current $1,440

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.102(a)(1):  Eye and face protective equipment were not used when machines or operations presented potential eye or face injury from physical, chemical, or radiation agents:    a)  On 05/02/2012, in the Basement level an employee was not wearing a faceshield to protect his face from flying particles, sparks and potential kickback while using a handheld chop saw to cut metal pipes which had been removed from the structure.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 2, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $1,800

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(1):  The employer with a workplace or work operation covered by this standard did not determine the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure for each employee exposed to chromium (VI):    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, the employer did not determine a Torchman employee's exposure to chromium (VI) who was located on the Basement level, exposed to chromium (VI) at an 8-hour TWA of 0.09 mg/m3 over a 299 minute sample time.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Nov 2, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1126(j)(2)(i)(A):  The employer did not provide appropriate information and training for all employees exposed to chromium (VI), in that employees could not demonstrate knowledge of the contents of the Chromium (VI) standard, 29 CFR 1926.1126:    a)  On or about 05/02/2012, The employer did not provide appropriate information and training to Torchman employees exposed to chromium (VI) while oxygen/propane torch burning stainless steel on the Basement level of the facility.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

Issued

Sep 6, 2012

Abate by

Sep 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1126(k)(1)(iii):  The employer did not ensure that employee exposure records for chromium (VI) were maintained and made available in accordance with the standard for Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records, 29 CFR 1910.1020:    a)  On or about 08/07/2012, the employer did not make available, upon multiple requests, employee exposure records for chromium (VI) for employees who were exposed to airborne chromium (VI) while performing torch burning and cutting operations.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.