OSHA Inspection: ELG UTICA ALLOYS, INC.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Abate by

Jul 13, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1):  A continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) was not instituted when employee noise exposures equaled or exceeded an 8 hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 dBA:    a)  Torching Area, on or about 12/21/12: An employee working as a Torcher was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 146.4% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 146.4% dose is approximatey 92.8 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 12/21/12 for 411 minutes.  Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 69 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs.    Abatement methodology:     Step 1: An effective hearing conservation program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) shall be maintained.  An effective hearing conservation program shall include, at a minimum:    (1)  a baseline audiogram for all employees exposed to noise levels equal to or in excess of the standard.    (2)  Annual audiograms for each overexposed employee    (3)  analysis of audiogram results with retesting and/or referral to an otolaryngologist or qualified physician when a significant threshold shift occurs.  A significant shift will be considered to be equal to or greater than an average of 30 dba over the 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz frequencies.    (4)  Where insert ear plugs or custom-molded devices are utilized, individual employee fitting shall be conducted by a trained person, and employees shall be instructed in the care and use of the devices.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Abate by

Mar 23, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(l)(1):  A copy of 29 CFR 1910.95 was not made available to affected employees or their representatives nor was a copy posted in the workplace:    a)  Torching Area, on or about 12/21/12: The employer did not provide a copy of 1910.95 to the affected employees, or post a copy in the workplace, when employees were exposed to noise that exceeded the 8-hour time weighted average.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.101(b):  Section 3.4.4, Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, as adopted by 29 CFR 1910.101(b):  Compressed gas cylinder(s) in use were not properly supported to prevent them from being knocked over and  29 CFR 1910.101(b): Section 3.5.3 , Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, as adopted by 29 CFR 1910.101(b): Compressed gas cylinders containing flammable gases were stored within 20 feet of cylinders containing oxygen:    a)  Utica Plant, Crusher 1 Storage Area, on or about 12/12/12: A total of eleven compresssed gas cylinders: Acetylene, Oxygen and Argon 4 Mix were not secured to prevent them from being knocked over.      b)  Utica Plant, Crusher 1 Storage Area, on or about 12/12/12:  Compressed gas cylinders: Four Acetylene and Two Oxygen were stored with each other.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Abate by

Apr 30, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $3,150 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(b):     Adequate first aid supplies were not readily available:    a)  Laboratory Area on or about 12/11/12: Employees work with Hydrofloric Acid and Calcium Gluconate Gel was not on site in the first aid supply kit for use.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Abate by

Mar 3, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:    a)  Crusher Room, on or about 12/11/12: No eyewash was provided for employees who worked with including but not limited to: ISM Degreaser containing chemicals including but not limited to: potassium hydroxide.

Issued

Feb 15, 2013

Abate by

Apr 30, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,890 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:    a)  Throughout the facility, on or about 12/21/12: Training was not provided to employees on the use of fire extinguishers and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.     * ABATEMENT NOTE:  By this date the employer must either correct the alleged violation or implement a Fire Safety Policy; as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and .39 which includes the evacuation requirements of 29 CFR 1910.157(b).