OSHA Inspection: PORACKY AND ASSOCIATES, LTD

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-01-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2800.00 · Current $1800.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iv): Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit.     a.  On or about August 15, 2003, in the facility, an employee performed welding operations on a tank wagon which had previously contained used oil.  The employer failed to designate a responsible individual, inspect the area,  and/or complete a written permit to be followed prior to authorizing cutting or welding operations,  thereby exposing the employee to hazards associated with fire and/or explosions.

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-01-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(A): Based on fire potentials of plant facilities, establish areas for cutting and welding, and establish procedures for cutting and welding, in other areas.    a.   On or about August 15, 2013, in the facility, as part of authorized duties, an employee performed welding operations on a tank wagon which had previously contained used oil.  The employer failed to establish designated areas and procedures to be followed prior to allowing employees to perform tasks associated with cutting and/or welding, thereby exposing employees to hazards associated with fire and/or explosions.

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-01-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C): Insist that cutters or welders and their supervisors are suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process.  a.  On or about August 15, 2013, in the facility, as part of authorized duties, an employee performed welding operations on a tank wagon which had previously contained used oil.  The employer failed to provide training to the employee on the appropriate measures to be taken prior to welding, thereby exposing employees to hazards associated with fire and/or explosions.

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-12-06 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(3)(i): Used containers. No welding, cutting, or other hot work shall be performed on used drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until they have been cleaned so thoroughly as to make absolutely certain that there are no flammable materials present or any substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to heat, might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Any pipe lines or connections to the drum or vessel shall be disconnected or blanked.   a.  On or about August 15, 2013, in the facility, an employee performed welding operations on the hatch of a manhole on a tank wagon which had previously contained used oil.  The tank wagon had not been cleaned and vacated of all potential flammable or combustible material causing a fire and/or explosion, thereby exposing the employee to hazards associated with fire and/or explosions.

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-01-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $2400.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employers shall 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 August 15, 2013, in the facility, employees were required to perform welding operations and transfer waste and reclaimable materials which contained the following including, but not limited to, motor and industrial oils, ethylene glycol, and petroleum products.  The employer failed to develop and implement a hazard communication program.

Issued

2013-12-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-01-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer shall 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 August 15, 2013, employees in the facility were required to wear personal protective equipment while performing job tasks including, but not limited to welding and transferring waste materials.  The employer failed to develop a workplace hazards assessment which included a written certification which identified the person who certified the completion of the evaluation, the date(s) of the assessment and a complete hazard assessment.