OSHA Inspection: WATER ENGINEERING, INC.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Abate by

Jun 9, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,190 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1470214022602310S227

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 are exposed to toxic gases such as chlorine or hydrogen sulfide generated from the accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals. Large tanks, barrels, and totes of chemicals including, but not limited to sodium hypochlorite, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide did not have any type of suitable containment allowing spilled chemicals to drain to a common line and chemical waste pit tank. Employee exposure to these toxic gases and/or exothermic reaction from the mixing of incompatible chemicals may result in severe respiratory distress, burns, pulmonary edema or death.  AMONG OTHER METHODS, FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE:  1) Install containment walls to prevent incompatible chemicals mixing in the adjacent drain line, chemical waste pit tank, or any location where mixing could occur. 2) Implement safeguards and protocols specific to storage spills and shared drainage points where incompatible chemicals are present. 3) Train employees with regard to chemical incompatibilities specific to those chemicals in their work areas, the nature of such a reaction, and an emergency action plan specific to the possibility of a chemical reaction. 4) Develop inspection protocols and preventative maintenance schedules to decrease the likelihood of accidental release.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Abate by

May 10, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,190 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards.  The platform used to access mixer tanks had a top rail that did meet the requirements of the standard (only 35" high) and did not have an intermediate/mid rail or toeboards.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Abate by

May 10, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms.  The stairway for the platform used to access mixer tanks did not have an intermediate/mid rail.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Abate by

May 10, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,190 Reduced

Hazardous substances 214022602310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.  Employee(s) did not wear appropriate face or eye protection when transferring corrosive liquid chemicals in the production area of the facility. Employee(s) wore standard safety glasses that were inadequate for the task.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,156 · Current $809 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

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.  Employee(s) wearing half-mask and full face negative pressure respirators had not been provided the medical evaluation specified in Appendix C of the standard before usage in the workplace.

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,156 · Current $809 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

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.  Employee(s) required to wear half-mask and/or full face negative pressure respirators for certain chemical mixing tasks had not been fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator(s).

Issued

Apr 7, 2014

Abate by

May 10, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,360 · Current $952 Reduced

Hazardous substances 21402310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): The employer did not inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces.  Employer did not post appropriate signs on permit required confined spaces including, but not limited to storage tanks, mixing tanks, and a waste pit tank.