OSHA Inspection: HILLOCK ANODIZING, INC.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,023 · Current $1,517 Reduced

Hazardous substances 186022602310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee used 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:   a. Anodizing Area - The employer did not ensure the use of a full-face shield to protect an employee from chemical burns to the face during the preparation of the acid casting solution.  While an employee was transferring of nitric acid (67% Industrial) from a 55-gallon metal drum into Tank #10, the flexible rubber discharge hose came off the pump and sprayed nitric acid onto his face.  He sustained mild chemical burn injuries to his face and neck.  Observed On or about February 21, 2014.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1860

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): When the employer had assessed the workplace hazards and determined that hazards were present, the employer did not select and/or use the types of personal protective equipment that would protect the affected employee from the hazard of being splashed by an acid:   a. Anodizing Area - The employer conducted a personal protective equipment hazard assessment, but it did not select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), a full-face shield, for the preparation of the acid casting solution. An employee wore goggles while pumping nitric acid from a 55-gallon metal drum into Tank #10 and sustained first and second degree chemical burns to his face and neck when the acid was unexpectedly released during the transfer process. On or about February 21, 2014.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,365 · Current $1,024 Reduced

Hazardous substances 186022602310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(c): Storage areas were not kept free from accumulation of materials that constituted hazards from tripping, fire, explosion or pest harborage:  a. Chemical Storage Room - The employer stored four 55-gallon metal drums of nitric acid (67% Industrial), a liquid oxidizing agent, next to eight 55-gallon drums of caustic soda (50%), and twelve 55-gallon drums of sulfuric acid 66 BE in the same room with no separation from each other.  Employees were exposed fire hazards from potentially violent chemical reactions due to the storage of incompatible chemicals in the same area.  On or about February 21, 2014.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Abate by

Aug 26, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1860

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(2)(x): The employer did not develop an emergency response plan for emergencies which address critique of response and follow-up:   a. Anodizing Area - The employer's written emergency response plan did not provide procedures for the critique of emergency response.  The employer implemented its emergency response plan due to a chemical release.  Observed On or About February 21, 2014.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Abate by

Aug 26, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1860

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii): The employer did not provide training of first responders at the operations level, individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release:  a. Anodizing Area - The employer did not provide training at the first responder operations level for an employee who placed absorbent mats to contain a spill of nitric acid (67% Industrial).  This employee took action beyond that which he was trained to do.  This action included responding to a release of a hazardous substance as part of the initial response.  Observed On or About February 21, 2014.

Issued

Aug 7, 2014

Abate by

Aug 13, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator was fit tested at least annually thereafter:  a. Anodizing Area - The employer did not ensure that an employee who donned a tight-fitting, elastomeric, Premier half-mask respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges was fit tested at least annually for the years 2012 and 2013.  Observed On or About February 21, 2014.