OSHA Inspection: TITAN METALS, INC.

Issued

2014-04-09 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-05-14 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4410.00 · Current $2350.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 06851620I200M102M104

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section 5(a)(1):  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were exposed to explosion, deflagration, and other fire hazards while working at or near wet-type dust collection systems for metal dusts which were not properly designed, used, and maintained in a manner to prevent or minimize employee exposure to such hazards.  Such conditions may lead to an accumulation of metal dusts at or above the minimum explosible concentration (MEC) and/or hydrogen gas at or above the lower explosive limit (LEL):         On or about October 18, 2013:      (a)   A water filled 55-gallon drum and blower system intended to be used as a wet-type dust collector servicing a Ramco wide belt sanding machine used for machining metal plates: (1) was operated in a manner where the dust-laden airstream was not actively scrubbed by a liquid as part of the collection process, (2) contained the fan/blower for drawing dust-laden air on the dirty air side of the collector, (3) directed exhaust air back inside of the building (4) did not have provisions to ventilate the space above the water level at all times to prevent potential accumulations of flammable gas byproducts from any chemical reactions between the metal dust and the water, (5) allowed accumulations of wetted dust (sludge) to remain on the interior without frequent disposal, and (6) did not include adequate elements of bonding and grounding for the purpose of dissipating static electricity.         (b)   A water filled 55-gallon drum and blower system intended to be used as a wet-type dust collector servicing a G & P Stroke Belt Sander (1) directed exhaust air back inside of the building, (2) did not have provisions to ventilate the space above the water level at all times to prevent potential accumulations of flammable gas byproducts from any chemical reactions between the metal dust and the water, and (3) allowed accumulations of wetted dust (sludge) to remain on the interior without frequent disposal.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2014-04-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1890.00 · Current $1000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii): An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance was not conducted at least once every three years.    a). The employer failed to reevaluate and/or recertify forklift operators at least once every three years. Forklift operators were required to operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts daily to move skids and parts throughout the facility.        There is no abatement certification or documentation required for this item.

Issued

2014-04-09 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-05-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3150.00 · Current $1650.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 06851620I200M102M104

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:       a) A written Hazard Communication Program that includes training had not been implemented and maintained by the employer. Employees are required to grind and/or sand on stainless, aluminum, and colled rolled steel at least daily.           Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).