OSHA Inspection: PODNAR PLASTICS

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,120 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1):     Protective eye equipment was not required where there was a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented by such equipment:    An employee was observed utilizing the remnants grinder for blow mold machine #1, and was not wearing safety glasses.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Abate by

Sep 25, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a):     The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.    Heat-resistant gloves were not provided to employees who were exposed to temperatures of approximately 150 degrees and more.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Abate by

Oct 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,120 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i):     Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    The employer did not develop, document, or utilize machine specific procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energy when conducting equipment servicing and/or maintenance.  Equipment includes, but is not limited to, blow mold machines, remnants grinders, compressors, dryers, chillers, mills, lathes, etc.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Abate by

Oct 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A):  EAch authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control:    Authorized employees had not received lockout/tagout training for the equipment in their facility.  Equipment includes, but is not limited to, blow mold machines, remnants grinders, compressors, mills, lathes, dryers, chillers, etc.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $840 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(2):  The educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting was not provided to all employees upon initial employment, and at least annually thereafter:    The employer did not train employees on the use of portable fire extinguishers for those employees expected to fight incipient stage fires.    NOTE:  The employer may exercise one of the following options:    1)	Provide portable fire extinguishers as specified in 29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1), meet the distribution requirements per 29 CFR 1910.157(d) (75 to the nearest extinguisher for Class A fires and 50 to the nearest extinguisher for Class B fires), and provide training and education for all employees in the use of such equipment and the hazards associated with incipient stage fire fighting as required in 29 CFR 1910.157(g).  The other sections of 29 CFR 1910.157 also apply.    2)	Provide extinguishers as specified in 29 CFR 1910.157(c) (1), designate certain employees to be the only employees authorized to use such equipment and require all other employees to immediately evacuate upon the sounding of the fire alarm, establish this in writing in an emergency action plan as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.38(c) and train/educate designated employees per 1910.157(g).  Utilizing this option exempts the employer from distribution requirements of 29 CFR 1910.157(d).    3)	  Establish a written fire safety policy which requires the immediate and total evacuation of employees from the workplace upon the sounding of a fire alarm signal.  This policy includes an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan as specified in 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and (b).  Utilizing this option exempts the employer from the requirements of 1910.157 to include the need for providing portable fire equipment unless a specific standard requires that a portable fire extinguisher be provided (such as those requirements in 29 CFR 1910.106/107 relating to use/storage of flammable/combustible liquids).  If extinguishers are provided but not intended for employee use, 29 CFR 1910.157(a) and (f) are still applicable (inspection, maintenance and testing of equipment).

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Abate by

Sep 25, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $1,960 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1):     Machine guarding was not provided to protect operator(s) and other employees from hazard(s) created by point of operation, in-going nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:    The 2 Step blow mold machine was not guarded.  There was no front guard, exposing employes to pinch points from the robotic.  The sides and back of the machine did not have the doors interlocked or secured in place.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,120 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii):     Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):    Blow mold machines were not adequately guarded.  Employees were able to reach under the guard to remove stuck production pieces.  The opening measured approximately 80 x 12" inches.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $49,000 · Current $19,600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1):  Machine guarding was not provided to protect operator(s) and other employees from hazard(s) created by point of operation, in-going nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:     Employees were exposed to point of operation hazards when operating blow mold machine #3.  The safety interlock doors were by passed with duct tape over the interlock device relay allowing the machine to operate with the doors open.

Issued

Sep 11, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2):     Exit access(es) were not at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points.    A beverage vending machine was placed outside of a men's restroom. The location of the vending machine with respect to the exit of the restroom restricted the egress route to less than the minimal 28 inches permitted by this standard.  The distance measured approximately 25 inches.