OSHA Inspection: RWS MANUFACTURING, INC./EQUUSTOCK, LLC

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): Floor(s) of workroom(s) are not maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition:    a)  Bagger Room - Employees continue to be exposed to slip and fall hazards from wood shavings and dust on the floor that exceeded 1' in depth in some areas of the Bagger Room.  The excessive shavings and dust serves as fuel should there be a fire.  This violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): The employer does not inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces:      a)  Saw Dust Bin (Fuel House) - The employer continues to allow employees to enter the Saw Dust Bin, a permit required confined space, to replace the screw auger.  Hazards include but are not limited to, physical hazards such as engulfment, sloping walls, and rotating parts. This violation was last observed on December 27, 2012.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1): The employer does not provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by 29 CFR 1910.146 (permit required confined spaces) acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under 29 CFR 1910.146:    a)  Saw Dust Bin (Fuel House) - The employer continues to allow entry into the Saw Dust Bin, a permit required confined space, containing potential physical hazards such as engulfment, sloping walls, and moving parts.  This violation most recently occurred on December 29, 2012.      b)  Burner (Furnace) -The employer continues to allow entry into the burner, a permit required confined space, containing potential atmospheric hazards such as elevated Carbon monoxide and low Oxygen.  This violation most recently occurred on January 20, 2013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3): A retrieval system or methods is not used to facilitate non-entry rescue when an authorized entrant enters a permit space:        a)  Saw Dust Bin (Fuel House) - The employer continues to allow employees to enter the Saw Dust Bin, a permit required confined space, to replace the screw auger without a retrieval system. Hazards include but are not limited to, physical hazards such as engulfment, sloping walls, and rotating parts.  This violation most recently occurred on December 27, 2013.      b)  Burner (Furnace) - The employer continues to allow employees to enter the burner, a permit required confined space, without a retrieval system.   Hazards include but are not limited to, potential atmospheric hazards such as elevated Carbon monoxide and low Oxygen.  This violation most recently occurred on January 20, 3013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(ii): Group lockout or tagout devices were not used in accordance with procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4):      a)  Saw Dust Bin (Fuel House) - On or about November 10, 2012, an employee repairing the screw conveyor did not apply a lock and adequately lockout two sawdust augers and a screw conveyor allowing for exposure to amputation hazards.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(vi)(a): The employer did not provide powered industrial trucks designated as EX for use in an atmosphere in which combustible dust is or may be in suspension continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, or where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such mixtures to be produced:    a)  Bagger Room and Shavings Storage Room - On or about December 30, 2012, a powered industrial truck that was not rated for use in hazardous locations was used in the presence of a Class II Explosive Wood Dust suspended in air including but not  limited to normal operations and during a blow down cleaning procedure.  The powered industrial truck operates in areas with accumulation of the dust on the floor, potentially generating dust clouds as driving over it.  The Hyundai (Model HLF25-11 Serial HC1012277) powered industrial truck is not a EX rated and does not guard against hazardous dust reaching ignition sources such as sparking components or hot surfaces.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):    a)  RWS Manufacturing, Inc. - On and prior to January 10, 2013, untrained employees operated powered industrial trucks inside the bagger room and the shavings storage room for loading trailers, and moving pallets of product.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7): Industrial trucks were not examined before being placed in service:    a)  RWS Manufacturing, Inc. - On and prior to January 10, 2013 the Hyundai propane powered industrial truck (Model HLF25-11, Serial HC1012277) was in operation without daily inspection being conducted.  It had an accumulation of wood dust (a Class II Explosive Dust) on the controls, propane tank, floor near pedals, and on the body.       b)  RWS Manufacturing, Inc. - On and prior to January 10, 2013 the Komatsu propane powered industrial truck (Model FG3OSHT-12 Serial 564464A) was in operation without daily inspection being conducted.  It had an accumulation of wood dust (a Class II Explosive Dust) on the controls, propane tank, floor near pedals, and on the body.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(10): Industrial trucks were not kept in a clean condition:    a)  Bagger Room - On and prior to January 10, 2013 the Hyundai propane powered industrial truck (Model HLF25-11, Serial HC1012277) had an accumulation of wood dust (a Class II Explosive Dust) on the controls, propane tank, floor near pedals, and on the body.       b)  Bagger Room - On and prior to January 10, 2013 the Komatsu propane powered industrial truck (Model FG3OSHT-12 Serial 564464A) had an accumulation of wood dust (a Class II Explosive Dust) on the controls, propane tank, floor near pedals, and on the body.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 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:    a)  Bagger Room - On and prior to November 28, 2012 for the employees operating Premier Tech Bagger Machine #1 who are exposed to amputation hazards while adjusting the bag and bag frame.    b)  Bagger Room - On and prior to January 10, 2013, for the employees operating the Premier Tech Bagger Machine #2 who are exposed to amputation hazards while adjusting the bag and bag frame.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(1)(ii): When the object to be welded or cut could not be moved and all the fire hazards could not be removed, guards were not used to confine the heat, sparks, and slag to protect the immovable fire hazards:      a)  RWS Manufacturer, Inc. - On and prior to January 10, 2013, for welding and cutting operations, including but not limited to repairing the Newman Shaver box in the Shaver Room, guards were not used to protect from igniting of wood dust.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $2,488

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(B): The employer did not ensure that fire watch was maintained for at least a half hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires:    a)  RWS Manufacturer, Inc. - On and prior to January 10, 2013, for welding and cutting operations, including but not limited to repairing the Newman Shaver box in the Shaver Room, fire watches were not assigned and maintained for 30 minutes.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour:      a)  Cylinder Storage Area North Side of Building - On and prior to January 10, 2013, three Oxygen cylinders used for welding and cutting were stored next to incompatible materials including two Acetylene cylinders (Flammable gas) and drums of oil.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(23)(iv): The fuel houses and bins did not have a standard railed platform or walkway near the top:      a) Fuel House (Saw Dust Bin) - On and prior to December 29, 2012, workers were exposed to a 20' fall hazard while accessing the rooftop of the fuel house to repair the screw conveyor.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,841 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(d)(2)(vi)(c): The log haul gear and bull chain drive mechanism was not guarded:    a)  Shaver Room Log Conveyor on North Side of Room (Log Conveyor 1) - On or about November 28, 2012, employees were exposed to amputation hazards while working near an unguarded chain and sprocket.  This exposed chain and sprocket is on the north side of the conveyor.      b)  Shaver Room Log Conveyor on North Side of Room (Log Conveyor 1) - On or about November 28, 2012, employees were exposed to amputation hazards while working near an unguarded chain and sprocket.  This exposed chain and sprocket is on the south side of the conveyor.      c)  Shaver Room Log Conveyor on South Side of Room (Log Conveyor 2) - On or about November 28, 2012, employees were exposed to amputation hazards while working near an unguarded chain and sprocket.  This exposed chain and sprocket is on the north side of the conveyor.      d)  Shaver Room Log Conveyor on South Side of Room (Log Conveyor 2)- On or about November 28, 2012, employees were exposed to amputation hazards while working near an unguarded chain and sprocket.  This exposed chain and sprocket is on the south side of the conveyor.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by Subpart S of Part 1910, live parts of electric equipment operating  at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the means identified in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i):      a)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, an electrical junction box was not adequately mounted on the wall exposing live electrical components.      b)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, an oscillating pedestal fan did not have a cover to contain the electrical wiring, exposing live electrical components.    c)  Bagger Room South Wall - On or about January 10, 2013, a breaker panel box for the compressor, vacuum and pump did not have an adequate cover to protect the electrical components from contaminants and protect employees from live electrical.    d)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, a Premier Tech Panel box (Serial # 25386) for the Palletizer containing 575V and 3 phase power had a drilled hole on the front door.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $2,165 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:    a)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, an oscillating pedestal fan did not have a grounding plug, exposing employees to electric shock.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, an extension cord was used as permanent wiring for a pedestal oscillating fan.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    a)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, a Premier Tech Panel box (Serial # 1EM0011) for Bagger #1 containing 600V and 3 phase power had a missing knockout on the bottom.    b)  Bagger Room - On or about January 10, 2013, a Premier Tech Panel box (Serial # 1EM0012) for Bagger #2 containing 600V and 3 phase power had a missing knockout on the bottom.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer does not furnish employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees are exposed to the hazard of potential fire and explosion hazards of Class II explosive wood dust:        a)  Bagging Room -  The employer continues to utilize ductwork for the Rodrigue Metal Ltee portable filter (dust collection unit) which is made of nonconductive PVC creating static hazards from Class II explosive wood dust moving over the surfaces.  The ductwork is not bonded or grounded.  This violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.                                                    b)  North Side of Building - The employer continues to allow employees to smoke outside the Shavings Storage Room and Bagging Room, where there is excessive Class II explosive wood dust.  Wood shavings cover the ground where cigarettes butts are left.  A diesel tank is within 35' where fueling of equipment and trucks is conducted.   This violation was most recently observed on November 28, 2012.       c)  Bagging Room  - The employer continues to utilize the Rodair enclosureless dust collection system (Model DP-3) which does not have a fully enclosed motor creating an explosion and fire hazard in the workspace.  The collected explosive wood dust is not removed daily and air is recycled back into the work environment.    Employees work within close proximity and the violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $0 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:      a)  Shavings Room - On or around December 30, 2012, Class II Explosive Wood Dust was suspended in air during times including but not limited to, normal operations and a blow down cleaning procedure.  An accumulation of dust was observed on electrical equipment.  General purpose wiring, breaker panel boxes, disconnect switches, receptacles, lighting, and electric motors were not dust tight ignition proof and approved for Class II Division 1 locations.      b)  Bagger Room - On or around December 30, 2012, Class II Explosive Wood Dust was suspended in air during times including but not limited to, normal operations and a blow down cleaning procedure.  An accumulation of dust was observed on electrical equipment, controls, motors, and panel boxes. General purpose wiring, breaker panel boxes, disconnect switches, receptacles, lighting, and electric motors were not dust tight ignition proof and approved for Class II Division 1 locations.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $53,900 · Current $22,640 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms are not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition:    a)  The shavings room continues to have a hazardous accumulation of explosive combustible wood dust on structural supports, pipes, fixtures, ductwork, equipment and floors.  This violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.     b)  The bagging room continues to have a hazardous accumulation of explosive combustible wood dust on structural supports, pipes, fixtures, ductwork, equipment and floors.  This violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.    c)  The shaker table building continues to have a hazardous accumulation of explosive combustible wood dust on structural supports, walls, ceiling, equipment and floors This violation was most recently observed on January 10, 2013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $53,900 · Current $22,640 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): The employer allows its employees to enter permit spaces and has not developed and implemented a written permit space entry program that complies with 29 CFR 1910.146:    a)  Saw Dust Bin (Fuel House) - The employer continues to allow employees to enter the Saw Dust Bin, a permit required confined space, containing potential physical hazards such as engulfment, sloping walls, and moving parts.  This violation most recently occurred on December 29, 2013.      b)  Burner (Furnace) - The employer continues to allow employees to enter the Burner, a permit required confined space, containing potential atmospheric hazards such as elevated Carbon monoxide and low Oxygen.  This violation most recently occurred on January 20, 2013.

Issued

May 8, 2013

Abate by

Mar 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,700 · Current $3,235 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6): The employer does not certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l):    a)  RWS Manufacturing, Inc. - The employer continues to allow employees to operate powered industrial trucks inside the bagger room and shavings storage room without certifying the employee as trained and evaluated.  The powered industrial trucks are used for loading trailers, moving pallets of product and for lifting a person in a man basket for cleaning and maintenance.  This violation most recently occurred on January 10, 2013.      RWS Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313755233, citation number 01, item number 010, group b and it was affirmed as final order date on June 21, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at RWS Manufacturing, Inc., 22 Ferguson Lane, Queensbury, NY 12804.