OSHA Inspection: ADVANCED POWDER SOLUTIONS, INC

Issued

Dec 12, 2013

Abate by

Dec 30, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,800

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer does not furnish to each of their employees a place of employment which is free from the recognized hazard of combustible dust from equipment and the increased risk of fire, deflagration, and/or explosion which is likely to cause death or serious physical harm.   This violation occurred on or about August 28, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to potential dust explosion and fire hazards when pouring pure magnesium into reactors without grounding or bonding the equipment or containers.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that equipment and containers are grounded and bonded when pouring pure magnesium into the reactors.

Issued

Dec 12, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,200 · Current $3,200

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 September 5, 2013, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when required to wear a North 7700 half-face respirator when performing tasks such as, but not limited to, pouring, bagging or sieving powder without providing a medical evaluation.       The Advanced Powder Solutions, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.134(e)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315610048, citation number 1, item number 3, and was affirmed as a final order on November 30, 2011 with respect to a workplace located at 6529 Cunningham, Suite 2105, Houston, TX  77041.     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

Dec 12, 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 September 5, 2013, at the facility where employees were required to wear a North 7700 half-face respirator when performing tasks such as, but not limited to, pouring, bagging or sieving powder without providing 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

Dec 12, 2013

Abate by

Dec 30, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 instructions relative to safety measures.  This violation occurred on or about September 5, 2013, at the facility where warning signs to alert employees to the hazards of combustible dust 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 instructions relative to safety measures.