OSHA Inspection: JAMES PRECIOUS METALS PLATING, INC.

Issued

Apr 16, 2013

Abate by

May 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,025 Reduced

Hazardous substances 07901430186021402310

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:    a) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- The employer did not ensure that employees use the appropriate eye and face protection such as chemical splash goggles and/or face shield where there is a hazard of splatter & splashing when using harmful or caustic/corrosive chemicals such as trichloroethylene for degreasing, and copper cyanide, potassium cyanide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid & sodium bisulfate in plating operations.    b) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- The employer did not ensure that employees use the appropriate eye and face protection such as chemical splash goggles and/or face shield where there is a hazard of splatter or splashing when using ustic or corrosive chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) for the water treatment system.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Apr 16, 2013

Abate by

May 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,025 Reduced

Hazardous substances 07901430186022602310

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:    a) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- The employer did not ensure the use of gloves provided to employees for protection where there is a hazard of skin contact when using harmful or caustic/corrosive chemicals such as trichloroethylene for degreasing, and copper cyanide, potassium cyanide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid & sodium bisulfate in plating operations.    b)  James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- The employer did not ensure the use of gloves provided to employees for protection where there is a hazard of skin contact when using harmful or caustic/corrosive chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) for the water treatment system.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Apr 16, 2013

Abate by

Jun 3, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,025 Reduced

Hazardous substances 07901430186021402310

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) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- Suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Apr 16, 2013

Abate by

Jun 3, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,040 · Current $1,225 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of silver listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of .01 mg/M3:    a) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- A plating shop employee using a compressed air hose on silver-plated parts at a drying station with absorbent corn cob material was exposed to airborne levels of silver at an 8-hour time-weighted average level of .103 mg/M3, approximately 10 times over the OSHA 8-hour time-weighted average Permissible  Exposure Limit of .01 mg/M3. This permissible exposure limit is established to prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin, as well as cumulative skin pigmentation and organ accumulation. The exposure level was derived from a sample taken over a 472 minute period during one shift on 2/21/13. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

Apr 16, 2013

Abate by

Aug 27, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 2240

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):    a) James Precious Metals Plating, Inc., Chicago, IL- Effective engineering controls were not instituted or maintained by the employer for the drying operation to reduce employee exposure levels of airborne silver to below the OSHA PEL of .01 mg/M3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average. An employee using a compressed air hose at a drying station on 2/21/13 was exposed to airborne concentrations of silver at an 8-hour time-weighted average level of .103 mg/M3, approximately 10 times over the OSHA 8-hour time-weighted average Permissible  Exposure Limit of .01 mg/M3. This permissible exposure limit is established to prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin, as well as cumulative skin pigmentation and organ accumulation. The exposure level was derived from a sample taken over a 472 minute period during one shift on 2/21/13. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.    Methods of engineering, administrative and work practice controls under these circumstances include but are not limited to:  1)  Develop and implement a Respiratory Protection Plan in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, and ensure that employees utilize respiratory protection.  2)  Seek appropriate expertise of a competent individual such as an engineer or industrial hygienist who may provide independent consulting service to assess the task, working conditions, the materials being processed, and the equipment& tools used.  3) Determine whether ventilation is adequate, and if necessary, install/implement a system to improve ventilation/exhaust, and to reduce employee exposure(s).  4) Research and consider other drying materials and methods that do not require the use of a pressurized air hose.  5) Limit the length of time the operation is done per employee during the work shift.  6) Limit employee exposure(s) by rotating the employee(s) performing the  operations.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.