OSHA Inspection: HILL TIRE COMPANY

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

Jul 29, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,083 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

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 did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to combustible dust explosion, deflagration, or other fire hazards:     a) Buffer Area: The employer failed to ensure that piping utilized to transport rubber dust to a final destination port was constructed of metal or other approved material. Ductwork that was connected to (4) buffer machines and the main header was constructed of nonconductive PVC piping that was worn. Employees were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard while performing duties involving the retreading of tires. A sample taken on December 12, 2012 was determined to be explosive.     ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

May 8, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,083 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean.    a) Buffering Department: The employer failed to ensure that the floor, piping, walls and equipment remained free from the accumulation of combustible dust (rubber). Employees performed duties involving the retreading of tires and were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard while operating buffer equipment that generated combustible dust. A sample taken on December 12, 2012 was determined to be explosive rubber dust.

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): When the employer decided that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space entry program:    a) Curing Chamber Area: The employer failed to develop a written permit required confined space program for employees entering the five curing chambers. Employees were exposed to inhalation hazards, oxygen deficient atmospheres and other hazards while performing activities involving tire curing operations, maintenance and repairs on the equipment.

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(C): Employees entered into permit spaces that met the conditions set forth in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(i) but before an employee entered the space, the internal atmosphere was not tested with a calibrated direct-reading instrument    a) Curing Chamber Area: The employer failed to test the atmopshere for oxygen content and/or contaminants prior to employees entering the five curing chambers. Employees were exposed to inhalation hazards, oxygen deficient atmospheres and other hazards while performing activities involving tire curing operations, maintenance and repairs on the equipment.

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(e)(1): Before entry was authorized, the employer did not document the completion of measures required by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing an entry permit:    a) Curing Chamber Area: The employer failed to ensure that confined space permits were issued and documented prior to employee's entry into the curing chambers. Employees were exposed to inhalation hazards, oxygen deficient atmospheres and other hazards while performing tire curing, maintenance and other repairs on the equipment.

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1): The employer did not provide training so that all employees whose work was regulated by 29 CFR 1910.146 (permit required confined spaces) acquired the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under 29 CFR 1910.146:    a) Curing Chamber Area: The employer failed to ensure that training on confined space entry was provided for all employees participating in confined space entry activities. Employees were exposed to inhalation hazards, oxygen deficient atmospheres and other hazards while entering five curing chambers to perfom duties involving tire curing operations, maintenance and repairs.

Issued

Apr 26, 2013

Abate by

May 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,084 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:    a) At Hill Tire Company: The employer failed to ensure that employees were provided training on the hazards of combustible dust. Employees were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard while performing duties involving the retreading of tires. A sample taken on December 12, 2012 was determined to be explosive.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED