OSHA Inspection: ASSOCIATED SPRING - BARNES GROUP, INC.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH 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 in that, employees were exposed to potential fire and explosion hazards:            In the following locations on or about June 5, 2012, dust collection systems exposed employees to potential fire and explosion hazards:    A.  Hardening Shop:  Employees were exposed to fire and/or explosion hazards because the combustible corn cob dust coming out of five vibratory finishing bowls traveled through a dust collection system which had no protective measures to detect, suppress, contain and isolate any cobustible fires and/or explosions that were at risk of occurring in or entering the work area.    Note:  The dust collection system included collection hoods, ducts, Donaldson Torit Downflo Oval dust collector, filtered air discharge duct, and exhaust return air system.      B.  ISO Department:  Employees were exposed to fire and/or explosion hazards because the combustible corn cob dust coming out of five vibratory finishing bowls traveled through a dust collection system which had no protective measures to detect, suppress, contain an disolate any combustible fires and/or explosions that were at risk of occurring in or entering the work area.  In addition, the dust collection system recirculated air without preventing hte return of combustible dust into the building.    Note:  The dust collection system included collection hoods, ducts, Dust-Hog Supra-Pulse FJH dust collector, filtered air discharge duct, and exhaust return air system.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1):   All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition:        ISO Room:  On or about November 2, 2012, the employer allowed fugitive combustible corn cob dust to accumulate on surfaces including overhead ducts.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floor(s) or platform(s) 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded by standard railings (or the equivalent as specified in 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)(i) through (v)), on all open sides:      In the following areas on or about June 6, 2012, open sided floors were not provided with standard guardrails on all open sides:    A.  Die Quench Mezzanine    B. Quality Mezzanine    C. Fourslide Mezzanine    D.  Tool Room Mezzanine

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(e)(2):   Stair rails did not consist of a top rail, intermediate rail and/or posts, with the vertical height not more than 34 inches (86.36 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76.2 cm) from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread:          In the following areas on or about June 6, 2012, stair rails were not provided with intermediate rails:    A.  Die Quench Mezzanine    B.  Quality Mezzanine    C.  Fourslide Mezzanine    D.  Tool Room Mezzanine

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Feb 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(e):   Fixed stairs were not installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees:        In the following locations on or about June 6, 2012, fixed industrial stairs were measured to be at angles greater than 50 degrees to the horizontal:    A.  Die Quench Mezzanine    B.  Quality Mezzanine    C.  Fourslide Mezzanine    D.  Tool Room Mezzanine

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(2):  Exit routes were not arranged so that employees did not have to travel toward a high hazard area:          In the following instances, on or about August 7, 2012, emergency exit routes led to areas of deflagration venting for combustible dust collection systems.  Employees were exposed to burns and concussive injuries from the blast pressure and fireball created by the venting process:    A.  Hardening Shop:  Employees exiting to the right from Fire Exit #12   B.  ISO Room:  Employees exiting to the left from Fire Exit #8.  C.  CFAR:  Employees exiting to the right from Fire Exit #7.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.94(a)(7):  Abrasive blasting dust(s) were permitted to accumulate on the floor or on ledges outside of the abrasive blasting enclosure(s):          Shot Blast Area:   On or about June 6, 2012, the walkway behind Pangborn 6N Barrel blast Cleaning System #4-070 was slippery due to a buildup of blast media.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $6,000 · Current $4,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(B):   Unless a physician determines that the standard threshold shift is not work-related or aggravated by occupational noise exposure, the employer did not ensure, when a standard threshold shift occurs, that for employees already using hearing protectors, employees be refitted and retrained in the use of hearing protectors and provided with hearing protectors offering greater attenuation if necessary:        Facility-Wide:  On or about May 15, 2012, employees enrolled in the company's audiometric testing program who showed a standard threshold shift as a result of the November 2011 tests, were not refitted or retrained in the use of hearing protectors.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d):  Flammable or combustible liquids were not drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing valve:            Small Orders/Prototype Area:  On or about May 21, 2012, a container of "Solvent 6733," a Category 3 flammable liquid, was not provided with a self closing valve.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a):   Protective equipment was not maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition:          Outside EDM Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, the protective gloves provided on the Blast-it-All abrasive blaster had a tear in the right glove sleeve, exposing employees to the abrasive glass bead media.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

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:        Water Treatment Area:  On or about June 5, 2012, no eyewash was provided in the immediate for employees using caustic chemicals.  The nearest eyewash was 139 feet away.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.169(b)(3)(i):  Air receivers were not equipped with one or more spring-loaded safety valves to prevent pressure in the receiver from exceeding the maximum allowable working pressure of the receiver by more than 10 percent:        In the following instances, on or about May 24, 2012, air handling tanks were not provided with spring-loaded pressure relief valves:    A.  SKF Cell, at the following small heat set presses:       1. Press 28/43         2. Press 28/69       3. Press 28/55       4. Press 28/131

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(b)(12):   All pressure vessels used in conjunction with power presses did not conform to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code for Pressure Vessels, 1968 Edition:          Small Orders/Prototype Department:  On or about May 21, 2012, the air counterbalance tank at the top of the Federal 45-ton part revolution power press, b/t2-419 was not provided with a pressure relief valve.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(g)(1)(v):  Pendant control box(es) were not clearly marked for identification of functions:          Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, the pendant control for the 12-ton Detroit Hoist & Crane was missing labels on the middle two buttons.   The "hoist down" and "hoist travel" buttons were not marked.  The labels were not indicative of what they controlled, (i.e., hoist or bridge).

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(i)(1):   Synthetic web sling(s) were not marked or coded to show rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material:          Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, nylon slings used for lifting die sets had capacity rating tags worn off.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1):  One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:        In the following instances, employees were exposed to injury caused by unguarded equipment:    A.  Fourslide Department:  On or about May 21, 2012, unguarded lower ingoing nip point on the Allen Bradley belt sander, b/t 50-3981.    B.  Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 24, 2012, unused portion of the blade was not guarded on the Kysor Johnson band saw, b/t 27-61.    C.  Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, unused portion of the blade was not guarded on the Do-All band saw, b/t 688.    D.  Eyelet Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, Baldor 1/2 HP belt sander had no guard for the lower ingoing nip point.    E.  Tumbling:  On or about June 6, 2012, machine guarding/interlocks on two New Holland centrifuges did not work, allowing the operator to open the cover exposing them to the spinning baskets inside.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(b)(7)(ii):  Mechanical power press(es) using part revolution clutches were not provided with a red color stop control, which would immediately deactivate the clutch and apply the brake, override any other control, and require use of the operating (tripping) means selected to reactivate the clutch:        A.  Mossberg Cell:  On or about May 23, 2012, Federal 22 part-revolution power press #2-397 had no "red" emergency stop button.  The button provided was black in color.    B.  SKF Cell:  On or about May 23, 2012, access to the emergency stop button on the Federal 32 part-revolution power press #2-415 was blocked by the placement of a light fixture.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(c)(1)(i):  The employer did not provide and ensure the usage of point of operation guards or properly applied point of operation devices on every operation performed on mechanical power press(es):        A.  Main Press Area:  On or about May 24, 2012, the light curtain installed on Perkins #3-435 worked intermittently and allowed employees access to the point of operation.    B.  On or about May 21, 2012 in the Small Orders/Prototype Area:       1.  Waterbury Farrel 100 b/t 158970 2292 with a 5/16" stroke, was not guarded in compliance with Table O-10.       2.  Blue Waterbury Farrel 100 b/t 2293 with a 5/16" stroke, was not guarded in compliance with Table O-10.       3.  The light curtain on the Perkins 5-C 5-ton part revolution power press, b/t 3438E, worked intermittently and allowed employees access to the point of operation.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(e)(1)(i):  A program of periodic and regular inspections of mechanical power press(es) was not established and followed to ensure that all parts, auxiliary equipment and safeguards were in a safe operating condition and adjustment:        Small Orders/Prototype Area:  On or about May 21, 2012, no periodic inspections of the part- or full-revolution power presses in this area were conducted.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1):   Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):        Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, the pulley for the Baldor power transmission motor on the Kysor-Johnson metal cutting band saw was not provided a safeguard, exposing employees to laceration and avulsion hazards.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i):   Vertical or inclined belt(s) were not enclosed by guard(s) conforming to the requirements specified at 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):        Tool & Die Room:   On or about May 21, 2012, the 1/2" rubber belt on Kysor-Johnson metal-cutting band saw was unguarded, exposing employees to laceration and avulsion hazards.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1):   Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:        Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, a reel drop at Column G2 had a damaged electrical cord, which was used to power tools used on the work benches.  Employeees were exposed to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2):   Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:        In the following locations, electrical equipment was used against its listing and labeling instructions, exposing employees to burns and electric shock hazards:    A.  On or about June 5, 2012, Maintenance:          1.  Magic Chef microwave oven, Model MC-10008, S/N 809TA06036 was energized through a relocatable power tap.  The equipment was listed for household use and instructions directed it be plugged directly into a wall outlet.         2.  Gold Star microwave oven, Model MA-781M, S/N 808KM01851 was energized through an extension cord which was in turn powered through a relocatable power tap.  The equipment was listed for household use and instructions directed it be plugged directly into a wall outlet.      B.  On or about May 24, 2012, Eyelet Department:           1.  General Electric microwave oven, Model JE635WW-01 was powered through a relocatable power tap.  The equipment was listed for household use and instructions directed it be plugged directly into a wall outlet.         2. APC Surge protector used to power the General Electric microwave was plugged into another relocatable power tap.  Listing and labeling instructions state that relocatable power taps may not be "daisy chained."

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(b)(4)(ii)(B):  Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle supplied a total cord- and plug-connected load in excess of the maximum specified in Table S-4:        Maintenance Department:   On or about June 5, 2012, the Lunalite portable multi outlet center, Model POS-6, S/N 8045 15 amp receptacle was subject to being overloaded as it provided power to a magnifying inspection lamp, a Magic Chef 11.3 amp microwave oven, and a Goldstar 9.3 amp microwave oven.  The outlet ampacity rating was exceeded.  Employees were exposed to burns and electric shocks from overloaded equipment.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A):   The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts was less than indicated in Table S-1:         A.  Hardening Shop:   On or about June 6, 2012, the metal barrier guard in front of the U.S. Filter VL/Rampe 480V vibratory bowl control panel, b/t49-1780, was located within 27" of the face of the panel.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C):   For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the width of work space was not clear and did not extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of 29 CFR 1910.303:            A.  Near Heat Set Press:  On or about May 21, 2012, Square D transformer extended 28" in front of the 240V Square D main principal 225 amp panel.    B.  Die Quench Mezzanine:  On or about June 6, 2012, Hevi-Duty transformer, b/t 42254 extended 19" in front of electrical panel.    C.  Quality Mezzanine:  On or about June 6, 2012, Allis Chalmers transformer, b/t 42-209 extended 11" in front of electrical panel.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(ii):   The required working space about electric equipment rated 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, was used for storage:          Fourslide Department:  On or about May 21, 2012, blocked electrical panel on Column M2.  GE load center near Fourslide #146 blocked by palletized wire in front of the panel.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(f)(1)(iv):   Overcurrent devices for circuits rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, were not readily accessible to each employee or authorized building management personnel:        Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, storage was in front of overcurrent devices preventing them from being readily available.  Electrical panels blocked by the placement of the Maho MH600 CNC Milling Machine, 33" clearance provided.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5):  The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous and effective:      Test Strip Cell:  On or about June 5, 2012, metal parts on the Nova Airmaster 24" pedestal fan behind the Donaltson Torit dust collector were energized.  The power cord for the fan was missing a grounding pin, exposing employees to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Openings through which conductors entered cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:      A.  Fourslide Department: On or about May 21, 2012, aA missing knockout on the Gibbs #78531 reel controller at Fourslide #164 exposed employees to electric shock hazards.    B.  ISO Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, a missing knockout on the RXS900 blaster exposed employees to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i):  Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:          Fourslide Mezzanine:  On or about June 6, 2012, a junction box 18" from the floor was missing a cover, exposing employees to energized wires.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(e)(1):   Cabinets, cutout boxes, fittings, boxes, and panelboard enclosures in damp or wet locations were not installed to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the enclosures:        ISO Room: On or about June 5, 2012, junction boxes on the vibratory bowls were not completely sealed and had screw holes into which water could enter.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A):   Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:        A.  Tool & Die Room:  On or about May 21, 2012, extension cords used in lieu of fixed wiring at the time clock computer.    B.  Eyelet Area:  On or about May 21, 2012, the control panel for the Jones & Lamson Model FC-14 optical comparitor was powered through an extension cord in lieu of the fixed outlet available on the wall behind the equipment.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D): Flexible cords and cables were attached to building surfaces:          A.  Eyelet Area:  On or about May 24, 2012, the power cord for the PA Industries Pallet Reel Model 9005, S/N X16151-2 was hanging over a pipe.    B.  Hardening, near Lava Pot:  On or about June 6, 2012, the power cord for the 110V counter was attached to the structure of the building.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(E):   Flexible cords and cables were concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors:          CFar Area:  On or about May 21, 2012, power to work areas was provided through flexible cords run through the drop ceiling tiles.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(vi):   A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it was not to be attended while in use (for example, sprinkler system controllers, landscape lighting, and holiday lights) did not have an enclosure that was weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed:        ISO Room:  On or about June 5, 2012, receptacles powering pedestal fans which were plugged in and used in wet locations near the vibratory bowls, were not provided with in-use covers.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Jun 28, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c):   Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:        ISO Room: On or about June 5, 2012, a general duty buss bar was located in a Class II, Division 2 location over the vibratory bowls.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(ii):   Attachment plugs and receptacles were connected or altered in a manner which prevented proper continuity of the electric equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs were attached to receptacles:          Hardening Shop, near Lava Pot: On or about June 6, 2012, energized prongs for the power cord to a 12" metal encased fan were hanging out of the outlet.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Dec 28, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii):   The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings:        A.  Main Press Area:  On or about May 21, 2012, the hazard warning label on can of red oil at the Minster Piecemaker #2-468 Eaton Press was not legible.    B.  Tool Room Mezzanine:  On or about June 6, 2012, the pipes used to transport natural gas to the Onan 30EK b/t 50-4262 compressor were not labeled or identified, they were all painted white.