OSHA Inspection: RADCLIFF WIRE INC.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Abate by

Apr 12, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section (5)(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards:    Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the company had not developed and implemented a program to inspect the hydrogen piping system that conveyed hydrogen gas from the storage tank to the annealing furnaces.  At the time of the inspection, sections of the piping system, including copper tube drops, were observed to have oxidation of the surface of the pipes and were not properly supported.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(b)(2):  The quantity of liquid that was located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet exceeded 120 gallons of Category 2, 3 or 4 flammable liquids in containers:     Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, more than 120 gallons of Category 2, 3 and/or 4 flammable liquids were stored in the chemical storage area.  At the time of the inspection, there was one fifty five gallon drum of each of the following materials:      A.  Mobilarma 245, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  B.  Varsol-18, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  C.  Coppershield 870, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  D.  Lab 2246, a Category 4 flammable liquid.  E.   Wilcut (PM 3224), a Category 2 flammable liquid.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d): Flammable or combustible liquids were not drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing valve:       Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the following containers of flammable liquids were not provided with self-closing valves:      A.  Mobilarma 245, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  B.   Varsol-18, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  C.  Lab 2246, a Category 4 flammable liquid.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(i): Adequate precautions were not taken to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors:    Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the following containers of flammable liquids were not grounded to the building structure:      A.  Mobilarma 245, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  B.   Varsol-18, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  C.   Coppershield 870, a Category 3 flammable liquid.  D.   Lab 2246, a Category 4 flammable liquid.  E.    Wilcut (PM 3224), a Category 2 flammable liquid.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,848 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(9)(iii): Combustible waste material and residues in a building or unit operating area were not kept to a minimum, stored in covered metal receptacles and disposed of daily:      Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, rags used with Varsol-18, a Category 3 flammable liquid, were thrown into regular, non-covered waste cans for disposal.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.125(e)(4)(ii): Rags and other material contaminated with liquids from dipping or coating operations were not placed in approved waste cans immediately after use:   Annealing Department:  On, or about July 24, 2013, rags used with Coppershield 870, a Category 3 flammable liquid, were disposed of into an open, five gallon plastic bucket.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Abate by

Mar 12, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,848 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): The employer did not select and have each affected employee use the type of PPE that will protect the affected employee (s) from hazards identified in the hazard assessment:      Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessments for work areas in the plant such as, but not limited to, the Annealing Department and Tin Line did not include a requirement for eye protection such as safety glasses with side shields or goggles to be worn when employees used compressed air for cleaning.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and personal protective equipment was not used:     A.  Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a compressed air nozzle used for cleaning at the Tin Line was measured to be 40 p.s.i., dead-ended.  Also, the employee who regularly used the nozzle wore regular street glasses without side shields instead of safety glasses with side shields.      B.  Die Room:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a compressed air nozzle used for cleaning was measured to be 50 p.s.i., dead-ended.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

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:      Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, chemical splash goggles provided for use by employees who added Super Detox to the Tin Lin reservoir were broken and could not be used.  The  ph of Super Detox, a corrosive acid solution, less than or equal to 1.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(e)(1): Alloy steel sling(s) did not have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach:     Production Area:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, chain alloy slings provided at Turks Head machines 8, 9, 10 and 11 were not provided with identification tags.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(e)(2)(ii): Makeshift link(s) or fastener(s) formed from bolts, or other such attachment(s) were used to connect links or fastenings on alloy steel chain sling(s):    Production Area:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a common bolt was used with a shackle to shorten the two-legged chain alloy sling provided at Turks Head machine #9.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)(i): A thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings was not made on a regular basis and/or were done at intervals greater than once every 12 months:  Production Area:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, chain alloy slings used at Turks Head machines 8, 9, 10 and 11 were not subject to annual, documented inspections.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven 7 feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:      Annealing:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a guard was not provided to cover the chain and sprocket drive provided on Take-Up #5, which was in use at the Steel Furnace.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,848 Reduced

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:    Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the outer insulation provided on the electrical drop cord used to energize Take-up #7 was cut and wrapped with electrical tape.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,310 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii): Flexible cords were not used in continuous lengths without splice or tap:    Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the power cord provided on the wall mounted Patton fan was spliced.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,848 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(i): Receptacles were installed so as to require an energized attachment plug as its source of supply:    Die Room:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, two receptacles were energized through a cord and plug connection.  The receptacles were used to energize equipment used at the work bench.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,848 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:    Company:  On, or about July 29, 2013, the company had not developed a written Hazard Communication Program.  Employees worked with hazardous chemicals, such as, but not limited to, hydrochloric acid, which was a component of Super Detox, a corrosive liquid.    Abatement Note:  The written Hazard Communication program has to address the hazards of chemicals in unlabled pipes or chemical piping systems such as, but not limited to, the hydrogen piping system, or the pipes must be labeled.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:  In the following locations, containers were not provided with an identity label:  A.  Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a dip tank and red "gas" can that contained Coppershield 870, a Category 3 flammable liquid that contained petroleum distallates.    B.  Die Room:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a plastic pail and ultrasonic cleaning unit that contained Lusterclean 38D, an irritant that contained triethanolamine, were not provided with a hazard warning label.    C.  Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, a small metal pail containing Varsol-18, a Catergory 3 flammable liquid that contained petroleum distillates, was not provided with a hazard warning label.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings:    A.  Annealing Department:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the following containers were not provided with an appropriate hazard warning:    1.  A spray bottle containing Varsol-18, a Category 3 flammable liquid that contained petroleum hydrocarbons. 2.  A dip tank and red "gas" can that contained Coppershield 870, a Category 3 flammable liquid that contained petroleum distallates.    B.  Die Room:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a plastic pail and ultrasonic cleaning unit that contained Lusterclean 38D, an irritant that contained triethanolamine, were not provided with a hazard warning label.    C.  Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, a small metal pail containing Varsol-18, a Catergory 3 flammable liquid that contained petroleum distillates, was not provided with a hazard warning label.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,700 · Current $4,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard were being followed:    Company:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, the company had not conducted periodic reviews of the lockout procedures for equipment and machinery in the plant.    Radcliff Wire, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent safety and health standard [1910.147(c)(6)(ii)], which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 2, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Abate by

Mar 12, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,160 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(4): Employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as a part of the emergency action plan were not provided training in the use of appropriate equipment upon initial assignment and at least annually thereafter:      Company:  On, or about, August 6, 2013, annual, hands-on fire extinguisher training was not provided to employees designated to use fire extinguishers in the event of a small fire.    Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent occupational safety and health standard [1910.157(g)(2)], which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,160 · Current $3,696 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.  Production Area, Near Side Door:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a sixteen inch white fan that was designed for use in a residential location was used to provide cooling in the work area.      B.  Maintenance Shop:      1.  Break Area:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, a knockout box was used in an extension cord assembly to energize a Black & Decker toaster oven, white refrigerator and radio.       2.  Work Bench Area:   A series of power taps, extension cords and plug mold was used to energize equipment such as, but not limited to, computers, computer peripheral equipment, work lights and a Comparator.        Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 8 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

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:  Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, an extension cord assembly was used in lieu of permanent wiring to energize a toaster oven, refrigerator and a radio.  Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 10 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,160 · Current $3,696 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A): For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts (as measured from the live parts where they were exposed or from the enclosure front or opening whwere they were enclosed) was less than indicated in Table S-1 of Subpart S of Part 1910:      Rolling Mill 5:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, the take-up unit for Rolling Mill #5 was installed in front of the main service entrance panel for the building.  Also, machine parts were stored on the floor in front of the panel.      Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent occupational safety and health standard [1910.303(g)(1)(ii)], which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 9 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(f)(1)(iv): Overcurrent devices for circuits rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, were not readily accessible to each employee or authorized building management personnel:    A.  Rolling Mill Storage Area:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, reels of wire were stored in front of two GE wall mounted panelboards that powered machines and lighting in the work area.      B.  Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, a workbench and Brown & Sharpe OD grinder were located in front of a wall mounted GE panelboard.   Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent occupational safety and health standard [1910.303(g)(1)(ii)], which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 9 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Abate by

Mar 12, 2014

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $6,468 Reduced

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:    Company:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, maintenance personnel had not been trained regarding what work practices and protective equipment was required to protect them against electric shock, arc flash and arc blast hazards while performing live electrical work, live trouble-shooting and verifying whether or not electrical equipment was properly de-energized.  The existing Electrical Safety Related Work Practices program did not contain any specific work practice guidelines to be utilized and did not provide any guidance regarding what levels of personal protective equipment was required to be worn for different voltage classes.      Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 11a and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Abate by

Mar 12, 2014

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $6,468 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:      Company:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, fire resistive clothing suitable for Category 2* electrical equipment, balaclavas, and hearing protection were not provided to employees who performed live electrical work, including trouble-shooting, or who verified that electrical equipment was properly de-energized.      Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number  311767149, citation number 1, item number 11c and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,160 · Current $3,696 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii): There was a defect or evidence of damage that could have exposes an employee to injury and the defective or damaged item was not removed from service:     Wire Drawing Production Area:  On, or about, July 24, 2013, a green extension cord used to energize a King of Fans portable fan had a damaged outer jacket, exposing the inner conductors to damage.     Radcliff Wire Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 311767149, citation number 1, item number 12 and was affirmed as a final order on November 20, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at Bristol, Connecticut.

Issued

Jan 23, 2014

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:   Maintenance Shop:  On, or about, July 25, 2013, flexible cord used to energize the Monarch lathe and Bridgeport Milling machine had been run through a building opening.

Issued

Dec 26, 2013

Abate by

Feb 13, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $3,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a)(1): Live parts to which an employee was exposed were not deenergized before the employee worked on or near them:  Plant:  On, or about, July 1, 2013, live electrical work such as, but not limited to, installation of circuit breakers into a live panelboard was performed.  Also, other live work such as changing circuit breakers in live panelboards and removing and installing a buss head on a live buss bar was conducted.

Issued

Dec 26, 2013

Abate by

Feb 13, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(ii): Protective equipment was not maintained in a safe, reliable condition and/or was not periodically inspected or tested:   Company:  On, or about, July 1, 2013, a pair of Novax Class 00 voltage gloves was used by the plant electrician.  The last recorded test date on the gloves was August 24, 2009.  The gloves had not been tested at least every six months as required by Table I-6 of 29 CFR 1910.137.