OSHA Inspection: COOLING TOWERS SYSTEMS, INC

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,200 · Current $1,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii): "Containers." Flammable or combustible liquids were not stored in tanks or closed containers.        a.  On or about May 14, 2013, open containers of gasoline were stored in an outdoor flammable liquids cabinet on the southeast side of the site located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, GA.    b.  On or about May 14, 2013, a gas and oil mixture was stored in an open container between the breakroom and a flammable liquids storage cabinet in Warehouse 1.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,200 · Current $1,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1): The employer did not provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not provided personal protective equipment training to two employees required to wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when exposed to "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, a corrosive chemical, in the Fill Pack Area while mixing chemicals to make glue.  b.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not provided personal protective equipment training to two employees required to wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when potentially exposed to corrosive battery acid in the Mechanic/Maintenance Area while charging automotive style forklift batteries.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,200 · Current $1,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i): Where the employer provided respirators at the request of employees or permitted employees to use their own respirators, the employer did not determine that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard. Where the employer determined that any voluntary respirator use was permissible, the employer did not provide the respirator users with the information contained in Appendix D to this section ("Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard").   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer did not provide the affected employees that were wearing air purifying respirators voluntarily with the information in 1910.134 Appendix D.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(ii): The employer did not establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not developed and implemented a written respiratory protection program where 3 employees were provided with a negative pressure, air purifying respirator for voluntary use.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): General. The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not provided medical evaluations for 3 employees who were provided with and used negative pressure, air purifying respirators voluntarily.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1): Cleaning and disinfecting. The employer did not ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of this section, or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer, provided that such procedures are of equivalent effectiveness.    a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer did not ensure that respirators provided for voluntary use were cleaned and disinfected.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $2,200 Reduced

Hazardous substances 17502310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): The employer did not select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not selected and ensured the use of chemical goggles where employees who mix chemicals to make glue in the Fill Pack Area were exposed to "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, a corrosive chemical, without appropriate eye  protection.  b.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not selected and ensured the use of chemical goggles where employees who charge automotive style forklift batteries in the Mechanic/Maintenance Area were exposed to corrosive battery acid without appropriate eye  protection.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  2/a, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $2,200 Reduced

Hazardous substances 17502310

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.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer did not ensure the use of chemical goggles or face shields in the Fill Pack Area when exposed to Luperox DDM-9, a corrosive chemical, used by the employees for the production of glue.  b.  On or about May 14, 2013   the employer did not ensure that employees use chemical goggles or face shields when exposed to corrosive battery acid during the charging of automotive style forklift batteries in the Mechanic/Maintenance Area located on the exterior northwest end of Warehouse 2.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  2/b, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $2,200 Reduced

Hazardous substances 17502310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where the eyes or body of any person may be 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.  On or about May 14, 2014 the employer did not provide an emergency eyewash in the Fill Pack Area for two employees exposed to "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, a corrosive methyl ethyl ketone peroxided, while mixing chemicals to make glue.  b.  On or about May 14, 2014 the employer did not provide an emergency eyewash in the Mechanic/Maintenance Area at the exterior northwest end of Warehouse 2 where two employees were potentially exposed to sulfuric acid while charging automotive style forklift batteries.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item  4, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,640 · Current $1,320 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1): Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer did not also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer did not provide fire extinguisher education where hand-held, portable fire extinguishers were provided for use by employees on a voluntary basis.   The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  5/b, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $2,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning. Compressed air was used for cleaning purposes were not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.   a.  On or about May 23, 2013 compressed air was used by employees for cleaning surfaces in Warehouse 1.  The pressure was measured at the end of the air nozzle to be 50 p.s.i.  b.  On or about May 23, 2013 compressed air was used by employees for cleaning surfaces in Warehouse 2.  The pressure was measured at the end of the air nozzle to be 52 p.s.i.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item 6, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,520 · Current $1,760 Reduced

Hazardous substances 00400430175023102460

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employers did not develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met.   a.  On or about May 14, 2014 the employer had not implemented the written hazard communication program contained in the employer's "Employee Safety Manual" where employees are exposed to chemicals including methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, acetone, and "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, and battery acid.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  7/a, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0040

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6): Workplace labeling. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked:   a.   On or about May 14, 2014 in Warehouse 1 and Warehouse 2 one gallon plastic jugs containing acetone were not labeled with the substance identifier and hazards but were previously emptied "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9 containers.  b.   On or about May 14, 2014 in the Surplus Storage Area at the exterior northwest corner of Warehouse 2, a plastic drum containing waste oil was not labeled with the substance identifier of the material contained in the drum.   The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  7/c and 7/d issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 2310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1): The employer did not have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they used:   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer did not maintain material safety data sheets on site for the lead acid batteries used on diesel and gasoline powered forklifts and charged in the Mechanic/Maintenance Area.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group 7/b, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 00400430175023102460

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): The employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.    a.  On or about May 14, 2014 the employer had not provided hazard communication program training where employees are exposed to chemicals including methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, acetone, and "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, and battery electrolyte.  The employer, Cooling Towers Systems, Inc., was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent, contained in OSHA inspection number 433352, citation 1, item/group  7/e, issued on 09/11/2012 and affirmed as a final order on 10/03/2012 with respect to the workplace located at 196 Lower Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii): "Fire resistance." Cabinets were not labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable - Keep Fire Away."   a.    On or about May 14, 2013, the outdoor flammable liquid storage cabinet located on the southeast edge of the site was not labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable - Keep Fire Away".  b.    On or about May 14, 2013, the flammable liquid storage cabinet located in Warehouse 1 by the break room was not labeled in conspicuous lettering, "Flammable - Keep Fire Away".

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer did not verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.   a.  On or about May 14, 2013 the employer had not verified the completion of a hazard assessment through a written certification.

Issued

Oct 23, 2013

Abate by

Nov 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 00400430175023102460

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i): The employer did not included in the written hazard communication program a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that is referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas).   a.  On or about May 14, 2014 the employer had not included a master list of hazardous chemicals in the written hazard communication program where employees are exposed to chemicals including methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, acetone, and "Arkema" Luperox DDM-9, and battery electrolyte.