OSHA Inspection: NORTHERN AG SERVICE, INC.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1200.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(1): Every stairway floor opening was not guarded by a standard railing constructed in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to the stairway):    On or about November 13, 2012, and times prior thereto, the spiral stairway floor opening leading to the basement was not guarded by a standard railing on all exposed side.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of falls.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $1500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings that comply with 1910.23(e)(1) of this subpart were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the following spiral staircases were not provided with standard railings.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of falls.      a)  Spiral stairs from ground level to basement  b)  Spiral stairs from ground level to gallary

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $1680.00 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:    On or about November 13, 2012, and times prior thereto, machine guarding was not provided on conveyor system in basement.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of being caught in ingoing nip point and/or rotating parts.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-05-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $960.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(d): The employer did not develop and implement an emergency action plan meeting the requirements contained in 1910.38(a):    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the employer did not develop and implement an emergency action plan for employees working in a grain handling facility.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-05-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $1500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(2): Employees assigned special tasks in the grain handling facility, such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances, were not provided training to perform these tasks safety:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, employees assigned the task of handling toxic substances were not provided training to perform this task safely.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with exposure to chemicals such as, but not limited to Hydrogen Phosphide, Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide.  Employees were also exposed to hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(1): The employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program that established the frequency and the method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces:      On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $800.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(k): Receiving pit feed openings in the grain handling facility, such as truck or railcar receiving pits, were not covered by grates which had a maximum opening width of 2-1/2 inches:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, grate openings in receiving pit area exceeded 2-1/2 inches.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(m)(1)(i): Preventive maintenance procedures in the grain handling facility were not implemented to provide regularly scheduled inspections of the mechanical and safety control equipment associated with dryers, grain stream processing equip, dust collection equipment and bucket elevators:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the employer did not implement preventive maintenance procedures that included regularly scheduled inspections of the mechanical and safety control equipment.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $960.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c)(2)(i): Equipment in hazardous (classified) location(s) was not approved for the ignitable or combustible properties of the specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber that was or could be present:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the following equipment was not approved for the hazardous location in which it was being used.  Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.    a)  Light bulb in tunnel  b)  Radios used by all employees at facility

Issued

2013-04-03 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-04-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $0.00 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:    On or about November 13, 2012 and times prior thereto, the employer did not develop, implement and maintain a hazard communication program for employees who use hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, the follow:    Aluminum phosphide at a weight of >60 percent.  Aluminum phosphide reacts with water and moisture in the air to produce phosphine gas (hydrogen phosphide).  It is also flammable.    Ammonium carbonate at a weight of >20 percent.  Ammonium carbonate releases ammonia and carbon dioxide gases.      Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with chemical exposure and the hazards associated with fire and/or explosion.