OSHA Inspection: AGRITECH CORPORATION

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):  The employer did not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to crushing hazards while operating a powered industrial truck without wearing a seat belt.   (a)   Yard Area and Lower Paint Bay, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employee(s) operating the Caterpillar V225B forklift were not required to wear a seat belt.    (b)   Main Production Area near Parts, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employee(s) who operated the Clark Electric forklift (Model TW20B) were not required to wear a seat belt.                (c)  Fab / Recondition Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employee(s) who operated the Nissan 40 forklift were not required to wear a seat belt.       Note :  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,050 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards:  Note:  Toeboards are only required when persons can pass under where there is moving equipment or there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard.   (a)   Upstairs storage area above Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to potential fall of approximately eight feet to the concrete floor below.     Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(e)(2): A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread.  (a)  Upstairs storage over Metal Pre-Production and Middle Paint Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, railing coming from and going to the top of the stairway had no mid-rail.  Employees were exposed to a potential fall hazard of approximately eight feet.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,450 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(c): Category 1 flammable liquids, with a flashpoint below 100 degrees F (37.8 C), were used where there were sources of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel.   (a)  Main mixing area, adjacent to Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees were using and mixing several gallons of flammable coatings and thinners with a portable electric drill, 110V.        (b)  Lower mixing area, adjacent to the Lower Paint Booth/Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees were using and mixing several gallons of flammable coatings and thinners with a portable electric drill, 110V.                 Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(4): Electrical wiring and equipment did not conform to the provisions of this paragraph and was not otherwise be in accordance with subpart S of this part:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical outlets did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.  (b)  Middle Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical outlets did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.        (c)  Lower Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical outlets did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.        (d)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, florescent lighting, in the spray booth, did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.                                                                                                                                          (e)  Middle Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, florescent lighting, in the spray booth, did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.      (f)  Lower Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, florescent lighting, in the spray booth, did not comply with Subpart S,  1910.307(c), Safe for the hazardous (classified) location.                                                                         Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(5):   Electrical equipment not approved for locations containing both deposits of readily ignitable residues and explosive vapors was present in spraying area(s):  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, live electrical outlets, 110V, near the floor and approximately three feet up on the wall each had a substantial build-up of paint overspray.   Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $2,100 Reduced

Hazardous substances 137790109902

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c): The employer did not develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific respiratory protection procedures were not included for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings with an activator (containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone).    (b)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific respiratory protection procedures were not included for employees who were sandblasting with Unimin, silica sand.     Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 90109902

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii): The employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; including a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazards and identification of the contaminants chemical state and physical form:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific respiratory protection procedures were not included for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings (with an activator containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone).  No air monitoring for respiratory hazards.    (b)  Sand Blast Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees were blasting with Unimin, silica sand.  Air concentrations were not measured during blasting to determine the employee exposure to crystalline silica.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9902C326

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2): The employer did not implement a change schedule for respirators not equipped with an End of Service Life Indicator that would ensure cartridges were changed before the end of their service life:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific respiratory protection procedures were not included for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings (with an activator containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone).  The employer did not provide a cartridge change out procedure.    Note:  The employer may provide an air-purifying respirator provided the respirator is equipped with end-of-service-life indicators or a change schedule has been developed. Otherwise, the employer must provide an atmosphere-supplying respirator.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 137790109902

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, no medical evaluation was provided for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings (with an activator containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone).        (b)  Sand Blast Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, no medical evaluation was provided for employees who were sandblasting with Unimin, silica sand.     Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1377

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator was fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, no fit test was provided for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings (with an activator containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone) and wearing a North brand, half-mask, air-purifying respirator.      Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Dec 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 13779010

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1): The employer did not provide respirator training that would ensure each employee could demonstrate knowledge of items in section (i)-(vii):  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, inadequate training was provided for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings (with an activator containing a homopolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate) and solvents (containing xylene, ethyl benzene, and acetone).  Painters were not made aware of the limitations air-purifying respirators when applying spray coatings containing isocyanates.   Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,050 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each operator had successfully completed the training consisting of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.   (a)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, not all of the employees who were operating forklifts were provided formal, classroom, and practical training.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6): The certification did not include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation:   (a)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employer did not certify that all employees who were operating forklifts were provided formal, classroom, and practical training.  Records were not available.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1): Powered industrial truck(s) found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe had not been  taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition(s):  (a)   Main Production Area near Parts, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, Clark Electric forklift (Model TW20B) charging cord had bare wires exposing employee to a potential shock hazard of approximately 24 Volts / 79 Amps, DC.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:  (a)   Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, multiple extension cords (110V) were connected ("daisy chained") together to form a longer cord.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv): There were damaged parts that adversely affected safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that were broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating:  (a)   Lower paint spray area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, Northeast corner of the room, yellow flexible electrical cord, not designed to be connected directly to an electrical box, had insulation damaged at the plug, at the cord connection to the box, and along the length of the cord.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)   Fab/Refurbish area, Southeast corner, next to the fire extinguisher at the stairs, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical outlet was not grounded.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:  (a)   Upstairs storage area above Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical box providing power (220V) to the Speedaire compressor, was not covered to protect against contact with live conductors.  (b)   Main paint spray booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, multiple electrical outlets (110V) and open box providing electrical power (110V) to the room, were not covered to protect against contact with live conductors.  (c)   Lower paint spray area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, electrical box (110V) providing power to the Landa steam cleaner, was not covered to protect against contact with live conductors.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 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)   Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, multiple extension cords (110V) were used in lieu of fixed wiring to metal working equipment.  (b)   Upstairs storage above the Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, multiple extension cords (220V) were used in lieu of fixed wiring to metal working equipment.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and/or cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:  (a)   Metal Pre-Production area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, flexible cords were run through holes in the brick wall near the stairway along the North wall.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $2,100 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1080137725879010

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:  (a)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted spray painting using dual component paints and related thinners.  (b)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted sandblasting operations using silica sand.  (c)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted welding using TIG (wire fed) and Plasma welding equipment.   Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8): The employer did not maintain copies of the required material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical in the workplace:  (a)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted spray painting using dual component paints and related thinners.  (b)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted sandblasting operations using silica sand.  (c)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted welding using TIG (wire fed) and Plasma welding equipment.   Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted spray painting using dual component paints and related thinners.  (b)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted sandblasting operations using silica sand.  (c)   On or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted welding using TIG (wire fed) and Plasma welding equipment.   Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(d)(1): On every building or other structure, or part thereof, used for mercantile, business, industrial or storage purposes, the loads approved by the building official were not marked on plates of approved design and securely affixed in a conspicuous place in each space to which they relate.  (a)  Upstairs storage over Parts and Main Paint Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, had no load limit signage.  (b)  Upstairs storage over Metal Pre-Production and Middle Paint Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, had no load limit signage.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1): Employee(s) were not able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge:  (a)   Metal Pre-fab, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, the exit door was impeded by the door being bolt locked during working hours.      Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3):   Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  (a)   Exit near Main Paint Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, exit was partially blocked by equipment and parts.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(2): Each exit was not clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit":  (a)   Exit near southwest corner of Middle Paint Room, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto,  there was no exit signage.  (b)   North East exit from Fab / Refurbish Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, there was no exit signage.  Note:  Abatement certification is required by this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition:  (a)  Sand Blast Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees were blasting with Unimin, silica sand.  Respirators and face shield were coated with silica sand while hanging in the work area.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1377

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which would have necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific personal protective equipment needs were not assessed for employees who were mixing and applying dual component urethane coatings with an activator containing a hompolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate and exposed to potential skin contact and skin sensitization.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9902C326

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): Protective eye equipment was not required where there was a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented by such equipment:  (a)  Main Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, specific personal protective equipment needs were not assessed for employees who were applying dual component urethane coatings with an activator containing a hompolymer hexamethyl diisocyanate and exposed to potential contact to the eyes and face.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(1): The employer was not responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace:  (a)  Lower Paint Booth, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, fire extinguisher in the southeast corner was covered with paint overspray and unable to be properly inspected.  Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 20, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(c)(1)(ii): When welding had to be performed in a space entirely screened on all sides, the screens were not so arranged that no serious restriction of ventilation exited:  (a)   Main Production Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees welding with TIG welders, were not required to use the welding screens provided, to protect others around them from welding flashes.  (b)   Fab / Refurbish Area, on or about April 9, 2013, and at times prior thereto, where employees conducted Plasma cutting were not using screens to protect other workers from exposure to the flashes.   Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item.