OSHA Inspection: ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Issued

Jan 16, 2014

Abate by

Jan 27, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,600 · Current $4,000 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):    On or about July 19, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (AERT) manufactured wood composite decking at the Springdale North Plant located at or near 801 North Jefferson Street in Springdale, Arkansas.  Safety instruction signs were not posted on equipment in the mixer mezzanine level, or at the entrance area to the penthouse, where combustible dust was processed, for example signs stating either "warning" or "danger" for combust areas.

Issued

Jan 16, 2014

Abate by

Jan 27, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(b): Areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations under the Class and Zone system and areas designated under the Class and Division system established after August 13, 2007 were not properly documented:(a)       a.  Mixer Area on Mezzanine:  Electrical equipment was observed in this location classified as a Class II, Division 1 location which was not documented by the employer and was not available for the design, installation, inspection, and operation of electric equipment where combustible dust was or may have been suspended in the air under normal operating conditions on or about July 19, 2013.    b.  South Wall of Extrusion below Mezzanine:  Electrical equipment was observed in this location classified as a Class II, Division 1 location which was not documented by the employer and was not available for the design, installation, inspection, and operation of electric equipment where combustible dust was or may have been suspended in the air under normal operating conditions on or about July 19, 2013.

Issued

Jan 16, 2014

Abate by

Jan 27, 2014

Penalty

Initial $38,500 · Current $37,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition.    On or about July 19, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (AERT) manufactured wood composite decking at the Springdale North Plant located at or near 801 North Jefferson Street in Springdale, Arkansas.  Places of employment were not kept clean in the following instances:    a)  Mixing Area on Mezzanine:  The area where mixing and heating of wood dust, plastic, and additives was performed had explosive wood dust located on the mixers, motors, air compressor hose, electrical equipment, structural beams above mixers, and the mezzanine and stairway railing.      b)  South Wall in Extruder Department near Mezzanine:  The area where the MCC room and far East bag fill were located had explosive wood dust located on the pipes in the ceiling, electrical equipment, and structural beams along the wall.    c)  Penthouse:  The area where maintenance on vent stacks was performed had explosive wood dust located on the roof structure, auger system, and pipes along the walls.    Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection 312739279, citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on September 9, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 801 North Jefferson Street in Springdale, Arkansas.

Issued

Jan 16, 2014

Abate by

Jan 27, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): Floor(s) of workroom(s) were not maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition:    On or about July 19, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (AERT) manufactured wood composite decking at the Springdale North Plant located at or near 801 North Jefferson Street in Springdale, Arkansas.  Floors of workrooms were not kept clean in the following instances:    a)  Mixing Area on Mezzanine:  Explosive dust was on the floor of the area where mixing and heating of wood fiber and recycled polyethylene resin was performed.    b)  Penthouse:  Explosive dust was on the floor of the area where maintenance on vent stacks was performed.