OSHA Inspection: AMSTER KIRTZ COMPANY

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,470 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1):     Aisles and passageways were not kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.    At the time of inspection electrical conduit was protruding upward in two aisle ways creating a trip hazard.

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $3,430 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(a)(2):     The employer did not ensure footing or anchorage for scaffolds to be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.       On or about October 3, 2012, employees were utilizing plastic milk crates to access material from higher shelving for shipment.

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,960 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a):     Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    The emloyer did not select and require employees exposed to chemical burns while adding water to powered industrial truck batteries, with a splash resistant apron, on or about November 26, 2012.

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 21, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2):     The employer did not verify, through a written certification, that the required workplace hazard assessment had been performed:        The employer did not have a written certification of hazard assessment, on or about Novemeber 26, 2012.

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1):     The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:    The employer did not select and require employees exposed to chemical burns while adding water to powered industrial truck batteries, with a faceshield and safety goggles, on or about November 26, 2012.

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 21, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,470 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

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 21, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,960 Reduced

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:    The emplpoyer did not have written a hazard communication program and employees were exposed to chemicals such as but not limited to; sulfuric acid, oils, lubricants, solvents, and cleaners, on or about August 8 , 2012

Issued

Jan 16, 2013

Abate by

Feb 21, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:    The employer did not provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to; Sulfuric acid, oils, lubricants, and solvents, on or about November 26, 2012.