OSHA Inspection: AMERICAN EXCELSIOR COMPANY

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 5, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about June 11, 2013, the employer did not assure that employees who accessed the top of the 8-foot erosion control blanket line to reload thread were protected from falls of approximately six feet.  All sides of the platform were not equipped with a standard guardrail.     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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(f): Rise height and tread width were not uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, employees that used the fixed stairs on the 8-foot erosion control blanket machine to access a netting roll, were exposed to trip hazards.  The stairs, located near the start of the production line and on the south side of the machine, did not have a uniform tread height.     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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that the fixed stairs, used to access the netting roll on the 8-foot erosion control blanket machine, were equipped with a standard railing in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.23.   Employees that used the stairs, located on the south side of the machine were exposed to fall hazards in that a standard railing was not provided on the left side descending.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that the fixed stairs, used to access thread rolls on the 8-foot erosion control blanket machine, were equipped with a standard railing in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.23.   Employees that used the stairs, located on the south side of the machine, were exposed to fall hazards in that a standard railing was not provided on the right side descending.    c) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio:  On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that the fixed stairs, used to access thread rolls on the 8-foot erosion control blanket machine, were equipped with a standard railing in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.23.   Employees that used the stairs, located on the north side of the machine, were exposed to fall hazards in that a standard railing was not provided on the left side descending.    d) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that the fixed stairs, used to access thread rolls on the 16-foot erosion control blanket machine, were equipped with a standard railing in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.23.   Employees that used the stairs, located on the north side of the machine, were exposed to fall hazards in that a standard railing was not provided on the left side descending.    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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,875 Reduced

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/or harmful temperature extremes:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that employees were protected from hot glue while operating the #26 glue roller.  Employees that operated the machine were exposed to burn injuries in that personal protective equipment for the hands was not used.       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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that energy control procedures were utilized to control the hazardous energy sources of the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line.  Employees that performed troubleshooting tasks were exposed to the unexpected start-up of belts, pulleys, and moving equipment while accessing the hazard area located near the stitching section of the machine.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that energy control procedures were utilized to control the hazardous energy sources of the Wapora CNC Contour Saw #6.  Employees that maintained the machine by replacing the cutting wire were exposed to the unexpected start-up of the machine while accessing hazard areas.     c) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that energy control procedures were utilized to control the hazardous energy sources of the Harmony Enterprises V72HS baler.  Employees servicing and replacing parts on the baler were exposed to the unexpected start-up of the machine while accessing hazard areas.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3): All energy isolating devices that were needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment were not physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s):    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that energy isolating devices that are needed to control energy to the Wapora CNC Contour Saw #6 (s/n 19415), were operated so as to isolate hazardous energy sources while employees performed servicing activities such as, but not limited to, replacing the cutting wire.      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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(i): Lockout or tagout devices were not affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure lockout devices were affixed to the energy isolating device(s) of the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line.  Employees that performed troubleshooting tasks were exposed to the unexpected start-up of belts, pulleys, and moving equipment while accessing the hazard area located near the stitching section of the machine.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure lockout devices were affixed to the energy isolating device(s) of the Harmony Enterprises V72HS baler.  Employees servicing the baler were exposed to the unexpected start-up of the machine while accessing the hazard area to replace parts.    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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 26, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide adequate training to ensure that employees acquired the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of energy control devices:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that employees who are exposed to the unexpected startup and/or release of stored energy of the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line were properly trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, methods, and means to isolate and control energy sources.  Employees that accessed hazard areas of the machine for servicing were not trained to apply a lockout device to the machine.      b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that employees who are exposed to the unexpected startup and/or release of stored energy of the Wapora CNC Contour Saw #6 were properly trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, methods, and means to isolate and control energy sources.  Employees that accessed hazard areas of the machine to change the cutting wire were not trained to isolate energy and apply a lockout device to the machine.     c) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer failed to properly trained employees to lockout/tagout the Harmony Enterprises V72HS baler before employees serviced the machine.  Employees were exposed to the unexpected start-up of the machine while accessing the hazard areas to replace parts in that each authorized employee did not apply a lockout device.      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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Oct 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

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) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio:  On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that the wattle machine, associated with the MST 16-foot erosion control blanket machine, was guarded to protect against nip points. Employees that loaded netting onto the extruder were exposed to the nip point created between the rotating tires and the extruder.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that the wattle machine, associated with the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket machine, was guarded to protect against nip points.  Employees that loaded netting onto the extruder were exposed to the nip point created between the rotating tires and the extruder.    c) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, employees operating the MST 16-foot erosion control blanket machine were exposed to hazards associated with the rotating bale buster used for coconut fiber.  Employees are exposed to the hazard area in that an opening, located at the west side of the bale buster, was not guarded.    d) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that rotating parts, located at ends of the netting roll on the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket, were guarded.  Employees were exposed to the rotating parts when performing housekeeping operations.    e) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 6, 2013, the employer did not assure that rotating parts, located at the ends of the netting roll on the MST 16-foot erosion control blanket machine, were guarded.  Employees were exposed to the rotating parts when performing housekeeping operations.    f) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about June 11, 2013, the employer did not assure that nip-points of the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket machine were guarded to protect employees from caught-by and crushing hazards.  An employee was injured while operating the machine, at which time the employee's arm was caught in a nip point located at the end of the machine's production line, where the blanket is rolled.     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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 5, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about April 24, 2013, the employer failed to assure the Craftsman table saw (model 113.298844; s/n 95298PO265) was guarded to protect operators.  An employee received hand injuries from the rotating saw blade while operating the unguarded table saw to cut foam parts.     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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed part(s) of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform were not protected by stationary casing(s) enclosing shafting completely or by trough(s) enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting:  a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that the horizontal shafting of the wattle machine at the MST 16-foot erosion control blanket line was guarded.  Employees that operated the wattle machine were exposed to the rotating parts located between the motors and tires.  b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that horizontal shafting of the wattle machine at the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line was guarded.  Employees that operated the wattle machine were exposed to the rotating parts located between the motors and the tires.  c) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure that horizontal shafting of the wattle machine's extruder at the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line was guarded.  Employees were exposed to the rotating part located between the motor and the extruder.  d) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 5, 2013, the employer did not assure that horizontal shafting of the tilt Edge Saw (model A:2; s/n 2597) was guarded.  Employees were exposed to the rotating part that tilts the saw blade and is located at the front of the machine.  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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 5, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Unguarded projecting shaft end(s) did not present a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft:  a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, shaft ends that projected from the wattle machine's rotating tires were not guarded.  Employees that operated the wattle machine associated with the MST 16-foot erosion control blanket line were exposed to rotating part hazards when loading netting onto the wattle machine's extruder.  b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, shaft ends that projected from the wattle machine's rotating tires were not guarded.  Employees that operated the wattle machine associated with the MST 8-foot erosion control blanket line were exposed to rotating part hazards when loading netting onto the wattle machine's extruder.   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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,875 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) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards in that three relocatable power taps were used in a series to power heating irons and computer equipment in the die press area.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards in that a relocatable power tap was used with an extension cord to power portable fans and a radio in the die press area.     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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $6,000 · Current $6,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1): Employees were not trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by 1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertained to their respective job assignments:  a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about March 4, 2013, the employer did not assure maintenance personnel were provided with training on electrical shock, arc flash hazards, and protective equipment for the hands, body, and eyes to protect against electrical hazards while working on or near potentially energized conductors.    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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a): Safety-related work practices were not employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work was performed near or on equipment or circuits which were or could be energized:  a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about March 4, 2013, the employer did not develop and implement electrical safety related work practices which cover employees exposed to potentially live electrical conductors while performing electrical work.  Maintenance personnel responsible for troubleshooting and/or performing electrical tests were exposed to electrical hazards in that safe work practices were not employed to prevent electrical shock or other injuries.  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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $6,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not provided with electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body that needed to be protected and for the work being performed:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about March 4, 2013, the employer did not assure a maintenance employee(s), troubleshooting the electrical panel for the 8-foot erosion control blanket line, was provided with and used electrical protective equipment for the hands.  The employee(s) was exposed to 480 volts while performing the electrical test.    b) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio:  On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure maintenance employees, troubleshooting the #26 glue roller/coater machine, was provided with and used electrical protective equipment for the hands and body.  Employees were exposed to 206 volts while performing electrical tests in that long sleeves and insulated electrical gloves were not used.    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, or written records.

Issued

Aug 19, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(v): Employees exposed to the danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion did not wear protective equipment for the eyes or face:    a) American Excelsior Co. - Norwalk, Ohio: On or about May 2, 2013, the employer did not assure a maintenance employee(s), troubleshooting the #26 glue roller/coater machine, was provided with and used electrical protective equipment for the eyes.  Safety glasses were not used when electrical tests were conducted with a volt meter on the 206 volt system.    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, or written records.