OSHA Inspection: GRAND STONE, LLC

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): A continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) was not instituted when employee noise exposures equaled or exceeded an 8 hour time weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 dBA:        The employer does not ensure that a continuing, effective hearing conservation program is instituted when employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.        a)  An employee grinding on granite was exposed to continuous noise levels at 101.9% of the permissible daily noise exposure or an equivalent sound level of approximately 90.1 dBA during the 472 minute sampling period on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 8 minutes not sampled.      b)  An employee leveling granite was exposed to continuous noise levels at 66.6% of the permissible daily noise exposure or an equivalent sound level of approximately 87 dBA during the 467 minute sampling period on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 13 minutes not sampled.        Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a continuing, effective hearing conservation program is instituted when employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,600 · Current $800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): A written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented for required respirator use:       The employer does not ensure that a written respirator protection program is established and implemented for required respirator use.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when required to wear a Moldex 2200 N95 filtering face piece respirator when cutting, grinding and polishing granite without a respirator program.            Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a written respirator protection program is established and implemented for required respirator use.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k): The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable, and effective annual training to employees who were required to use respirators.       The employer does not ensure that employees who are required to use respirators are provided with effective training.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when required to wear a Moldex 2200 N95 filtering face piece respirator when cutting, grinding and polishing granite without being provided respirator training.        Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees who are required to use respirators are provided with effective training.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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 contaminant's chemical state and physical form:      The employer does not ensure that respiratory hazards are identified and evaluated to reasonably estimate employee exposures to respiratory hazards.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when cutting, grinding and polishing granite without an evaluation of the respiratory hazards of silica.          Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that respiratory hazards are identified and evaluated to reasonably estimate employee exposures to respiratory hazards.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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:       The employer does not ensure that a medical evaluation is provided before the employee is required to use a respirator.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to pulmonary hazards when required to wear a Moldex 2200 N95 filtering face piece respirator when cutting, grinding and polishing granite without a medical evaluation.            Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a medical evaluation is provided before the employee is required to use a respirator.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): Employee(s) using tight-fitting facepiece respirators were not fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator:    The employer does not ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator are fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator. This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when required to wear a Moldex 2200 N95 filtering face piece respirator when cutting, grinding and polishing granite without a respirator fit test.            Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator are fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.145(c)(3): Safety instruction sign(s) were not used where there was a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measure(s):      The employer does not ensure that safety instruction signs are used where there is a need for general instruction and suggestions relative to safety measures.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where warning signs to alert employees to the hazards of silica were not posted.          Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that safety instruction signs are used where there is a need for general instruction and suggestions relative to safety measures.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,600 · Current $800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.243(c)(3): Abrasive wheels used on vertical portable grinder(s) (right angle head grinders) were not provided with safety guard(s) having a maximum exposure angle of 180 degrees and located between the operator and wheel:       The employer does not ensure that abrasive wheels used on vertical portable grinders are provided with safety guards.  This violation was occurred on or about June 21, 2013, on the grinding table where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when using a Makitta 5-inch vertical grinder with an abrasive wheel to grind granite without a safety guard.            Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that abrasive wheels used on vertical portable grinders are provided with safety guards.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1): Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:      The employer does not ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards.  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, on the east wall of the shop where employees were exposed to electrical hazards when using a centrifugal fan that had flexible cable that had exposed conductor wires.          Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(c): An employee(s) was exposed to crystalline silica in excess of the calculated 8-hour time weighted average limits listed in Table Z-3:     The employer does not ensure that employees are not exposed to crystalline silica in excess of the calculated 8-hour time weighted average listed in Table Z-3.        a)  An employee grinding granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 4.22 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.53 mg/m3 by 7.96 times.  Sampling was conducted for 465 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 15 minutes not sampled.          b) An employee leveling granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 1.96 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.30 mg/m3 by 6.53 times. Sampling was conducted for 414 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 66 minutes not sampled.          c)  An employee cutting slabs of granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 1.51 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.56 mg/m3 by 2.69 times.   Sampling was conducted for 465 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 15 minutes not sampled.               Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are not exposed to crystalline silica in excess of the adjusted 8-hour time weighted average listed in Table Z-3.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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):    The employer does not ensure that feasible administrative or engineering controls are determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000 (a) through (d).       a)  An employee grinding granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 4.22 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.53 mg/m3 by 7.96 times.  Sampling was conducted for 465 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 15 minutes not sampled.          b) An employee leveling granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 1.96 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.30 mg/m3 by 6.53 times. Sampling was conducted for 414 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 66 minutes not sampled.          c)  An employee cutting slabs of granite was exposed to silica at a time weighted average of 1.51 mg/m3.  This level exceeded the adjusted permissible exposure level (PEL) for silica, of 0.56 mg/m3 by 2.69 times.   Sampling was conducted for 465 minutes during one work shift on 6-25-13; exposure calculations included a zero increment for the 15 minutes not sampled.           Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that feasible administrative or engineering controls are determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000 (a) through (d).

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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:      The employer does not ensure that a hazard communication program is developed, implemented and maintained at each workplace.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to chemical hazards when using chemicals such as, but not limited to, cream hardener, transparent knife grade polyester stone adhesive, transparent flowing, #11 lacquer thinner and granite without a written program.        Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure a hazard communication program is developed, implemented and maintained at each workplace.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 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:      The employer does not ensure that employees are provided with effective information and training on the hazardous chemicals in their work place at the time of initial assignment.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to chemical hazards when using chemicals such as, but not limited to, cream hardener, transparent knife grade polyester stone adhesive, transparent flowing, #11 lacquer thinner and granite without the employer providing hazard communication training.        Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are provided with effective information and training on the hazardous chemicals in their work place at the time of initial assignment.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1): The employer did not have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical in use:      The employer does not ensure that material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for each hazardous chemical used are maintained.  This violation occurred on or about June 25, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to chemical hazards when using chemicals such as, but not limited to, cream hardener, transparent knife grade polyester stone adhesive, transparent flowing, #11 lacquer thinner and granite without the employer maintaining MSDSs.        Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical used are maintained.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:    The employer does not ensure that electrical equipment is used in accordance with the listing and labeling.  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, on the east wall of the shop where the receptacle powering a centrifugal fan was not mounted to the wall.         Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps to ensure that electrical equipment is used in accordance with the listing and labeling.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Oct 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:       The employer does not ensure that each overcurrent device is legibly marked to indicate its purpose.  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, on the west wall of the shop where the circuit breakers in two adjacent breaker panels were not labeled.            Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that each overcurrent device is legibly marked to indicate its purpose.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:   The employer does not ensure that unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings are effectively closed.  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, on the west wall of the shop where a blank was missing from the breaker panel.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that that unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings are effectively closed.

Issued

Sep 4, 2013

Abate by

Sep 19, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws:   The employer does not ensure that flexible cords are connected to devices and fittings so that tension is not transmitted to terminal screws.      a)  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, on the east wall of the shop where the flexible cable on a centrifugal fan was pulled from the strain relief exposing insulated conductor wires.     b)  This violation was observed on or about June 21, 2013, in the polishing area where an extension cord powering a Makitta polisher was pulled from the strain relief exposing insulated conductor wires.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that flexible cords are connected to devices and fittings so that tension is not transmitted to terminal screws.