OSHA Inspection: BECON, INC.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,316 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): Section 5(A)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:    (a) Building D: On or about July 31, 2014, an employee was observed operating a Hyster Forklift Truck, model number S100XL, serial number, D004V01715J, without wearing the provided seatbelt and thereby exposed to crushing hazards.    (b) Main Building- Near Press Brake Area: On or about August 21, 2014, an employee was observed operating a Caterpillar Forklift Truck, Model #T50D, Serial number 8EB11182, without wearing the provided seatbelt, and thereby exposed to crushing hazards.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(i)(5): The employer did not ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors:    On or about June 13, 2014, no employee was observed inserting the foam hearing protectors correctly. The employer did not ensure a proper fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors for employees that were part of the hearing conservation program:    (a) On August 14, 2014, an employee working in the Heavy Crane area was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 81.3% of the permissible exposure level (PEL) dose. The equivalent dBA for 81.3% of the dose is approximately 89.0 dBA, calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The monitoring was conducted for 465 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 15 minutes of the day.    (b) On August 21, 2014, an employee working in the welding area of the main building was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 62.9 % of the permissible exposure level (PEL) dose. The equivalent dBA for 62.9% of the dose is approximately 87.0 dBA, calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The monitoring was conducted for 365 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 115 minutes of the day.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(2): The quantity of flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 degrees F (93 degrees C) kept in the vicinity of spraying operations were not a minimum required for operations or they exceeded a supply for one day or one shift:   (a) Main Building - Spray Paint Booth: Two 55-gallon drums of waste MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), stored inside of a flammable storage container located inside of the spray booth were not kept to a minimum.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(3): Residue scrapings and debris contaminated with residue were not immediately removed from the premises and properly disposed. Approved metal waste cans were not provided wherever rags or waste were impregnated with finishing material; and all such rags or waste were not deposited therein immediately after use. The contents of waste cans were not properly disposed of at least once daily or at the end of each shift.  (a) Main Building - Spray Paint Booth: On or about July 31, 2014, rags impregnated with flammable waste paint and thinner such as methyl ethyl ketone, and empty containers having contained the paint and thinner was disposed of in an uncovered plastic trash receptacle and stored inside the paint booth. Two 55 gallon drums of waste MEK were stored inside of a flammable storage container located inside of the spray booth.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,512 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:   (a) Main Building -  Spray Paint Booth: On or about August 14, 2014, the employer failed to require that a painter who worked with chemicals such as, but not limited to, Polane HS Catalyst , which contains toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and is used as a coating on metal parts did not wear protective clothing while applying the coating.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):   (a) Main Building - Spray Paint Booth: On or about August 14, 2014, the employer failed to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are likely to be present which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment. A painter who worked with chemicals such as, but not limited to, Polane HS Catalyst , which contains toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and is used as a coating on metal parts did not wear protective clothing while applying the coating.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

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:  (a) Building D - Welding Area: On or about July 7, 2014, an employee hired as a welder and required to wear a 3M 6200, half face, negative pressure respirator while welding had not been fit tested prior to being required to wear the respirator.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A): Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:  (a) Main Building- 10 Ton Way: On or about August 21, 2014, an employee that wore a 3M, 6503, negative pressure respirator while welding stainless steel, and being exposed to chromium (VI), had more than one days growth of facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i): Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or  were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:  (a) Main Building - Spray booth: On or about June 13, 2014, a 3M, 6503, half face, negative pressure respirator was stored inside of a flammable storage cabinet, inside of an open bag.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(3): Training was not provided prior to requiring employees to use a respirator in the workplace:  (a) Main Building- 10 Ton Way: On or about August 21, 2014, an employee who wore a 3M, 6503, negative pressure respirator while welding stainless steel, and being exposed to chromium (VI), was not provided training on the respirator. The employee wore the respirator with facial hair that interfered with the seal of the respirator.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(1): Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition was not taken out of service, and/or repairs were not made by authorized personnel:  (a) Building D: July 31, 2014, the employer failed to take out of service, a 100 Hyster, model S100Xl, propane powered fork truck, whose horn was not operational, after the daily inspection revealed that horn was not operational.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,512 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(iii): Workers and other persons adjacent to the welding area were not protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields:  (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Way:  On or about August 21, 2014, noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields were not being used to protect adjacent employees from rays generated by pulse welding operations.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5):  The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous and effective:  (a) Main Building- Heavy Crane Way ( 30 Ton Area): On or about June 13, 2014, A Hougen Drill,  used to drill holes on part of a power enclosure was missing its ground pin, exposing employees to electric shock hazards.    (b) Main Building- Heavy Crane Way(30 Ton Area): On or about June 13, 2014, an extension cord, used to energize a Hougen Drill, was missing its ground pin, exposing employees to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(ix): Lamps for general illumination were not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard:   (a) Main Building - Heavy Crane Area (30 Ton Area): On or about August 14, 2014, a Lumipro lamp, model 2V67B, sitting on a work bench, was not protected from breakage by a guard or lampholder.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,016 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(c)(4): Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches. Snap switches mounted in boxes did not have faceplates installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface:  (a) Building D - Electrical Room: On or about July 31, 2014, a light switch box that energized the over-head lighting for the room was missing a cover.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $3,600

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and/or cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:    (a) Main Building- Heavy Crane Way Area (30 Ton Area): On or about June 13, 2014, flexible cords were run through holes in the wall from the heavy crane way area, and exited in the sandblasting area, on the exterior of the building. The wiring was used to power the sandblasting equipment.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(c): Employees were exposed to an airborne concentration of chromium (VI) which exceeded 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air, as an 8-hour time-weighted average:  (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Area: On or about august 21, 2014, a welder was over exposed to chromium (VI),  at an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 9.95 micrograms per cubic meter of air, which is 1.99 times the permissible exposure limit of 5.0 micrograms per cubic meter, while pulse welding stainless steel components of a Mobile Pac Unit. Monitoring was done for 440 minutes of the employees shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the 40 minutes not sampled.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(d)(1): The employer with a workplace or work operation covered by this standard did not determine the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure for each employee exposed to chromium (VI):  (a) On or about June 13, 2014, the employer had not determined the 8 hour time weighted average exposure to chromium (VI) either by conducting initial monitoring or by using the performance-oriented options for an employee pulse welding stainless steel components of a Mobile Pac Unit.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(f)(1)(i): Feasible engineering controls and work practices were not instituted to reduce and maintain employee exposures to chromium (VI) at or below the permissible exposure limit:  (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Area: The employer did not ensure feasible engineering controls and work practices were used to reduce and maintain employees' exposure to chromium (VI) at or below 5 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour TWA.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,633 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(e)(1): The employer did not establish a regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of chromium (VI) was, or could reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the permissible exposure limit:    (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Area: On or about august 21, 2014, the employer failed to establish a regulated area when an employee that was welding was exposed to chromium (VI) at 1.99 times permissible exposure limit.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(h)(2)(i): The employer did not ensure that employees removed all protective clothing and equipment contaminated with chromium (VI) at the end of the work shift or at the completion of their tasks involving chromium (VI) exposure, whichever came first:   (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Area: On or about August 21, 2014, the employer failed to ensure that employee protective clothing, such as company provided uniforms, contaminated with chromium (VI) was removed at the end of the work shift. Employees were allowed to wear contaminated clothing home.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(k)(1)(i)(A): The employer did not make medical surveillance available for all employees who were or could be occupationally exposed to chromium (VI) at or above the action level for 30 or more days a year:  (a) Main Building - 10 Ton Area: On or about August 21, 2014, the employer did not make medical surveillance available to employees welding stainless steel and who were exposed to or could be occupationally exposed to chromium (VI) at the action lever for 30 or more days a year.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(l)(1): The employer did not ensure that all employees who were assigned to workplaces where there was exposure to chromium (VI) were provided with information and training as required by the Hazard Communication standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200:   (a) Facility wide: On or about June 13, 2014,  employees exposed to chromium (VI) from welding stainless steel were not provided training on the hazards of chromium (VI).

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(l)(1)(iii): The employer did not include chromium (VI) in the hazard communication program established to comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), ensure that each employee had access to labels on containers of chromium (VI) and to safety data sheets, and was trained in accordance with the requirements of HCS and 29 CFR 1910.1026:   (a) Facility wide: On or about June 13, 2014,  employees welding stainless steel and thereby exposed to hexavalent chromium had not been trained on the following:  1. The health hazards associated with chromium (VI) exposure; 2. The location, manner of use and release of chromium (VI); 3. Engineering controls and work practices associated with the employee's job assignment; 4. Emergency procedures; and 5. Measures employees were to take to protect themselves.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(l)(2)(ii): The employer did not make a copy of the Chromium (VI) standard, 29 CFR 1910.1026, readily available to all employees who were exposed to chromium (VI):  (a) Facility wide: On or about June 13, 2014,  the employer failed to ensure that employees required to weld stainless steel, and thereby exposed to chromium (VI), had a copy of the hexavalent chromium standard readily available to all employees.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 04302470

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) Main Building - Spray Booth: On or about August 14, 2014, the employer failed to develop and implement a hazard communication program.  Employees worked with chemicals such as, but not limited to, methyl ethyl ketone which is flammable, and paint catalysts such as diisocyanates, which is a respiratory sensitizer.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings:   (a) Main Building- Heavy Crane Area: On or about June 13, 2014 a small, Home Depot spray bottle, reported to have contained "NO RINSE CLEANER", (which contains disodium metasilicate and has a pH of 12.4), used  as a metal surface cleaner was not labeled , tagged or marked with the appropriate corrosive hazard warning.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 2470

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  (a) Main Building- Spray booth: On or about August 14, 2014, an employee who worked with chemicals, such as but not limited to Polane Catalyst, which contained toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, had not received training on the hazards associated with the chemical nor on which protective measures were required when working with the chemicals. The catalyst was used as a spray coating system on parts.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Penalty

Initial $7,200 · Current $4,533 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(2): Exit routes were not arranged so that employees did not have to travel toward a high hazard area:    (a) Building "G":  On or about July 31, 2014, a propylene compressed gas cylinder was stored within 2 feet of a designated exit.    Becon, Incorporated, a Successor of Sound Construction Engineering, was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection # 311782122, Citation Number 1, item number 2, issued on December 8, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 522 Cottage Grove Road, Building H, Bloomfield, Ct 06002. The final order date for the citation was April 23, 2010.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,200 · Current $4,533 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(5): Solvents used for cleaning spray nozzles or auxiliary equipment, shall not have a flashpoint that is lower than the flashpoint of what is normally used in spray operations:    (a) Main Building- Spray Booth: On or about June 13, 2014, methyl ethyl ketone, which had a flash point of 24 degrees F, was used to clean the spray guns and paint pots, and was lower than Polane HS Plus Polyurethane Enamel (Part A), which was used to coat parts, and had a flash point of 95 degrees F.    Becon, Incorporated, a Successor of Sound Construction Engineering, was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.107(g)(5), which was contained in OSHA inspection # 311782122, Citation Number 1, item number 4, issued on December 8, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 522 Cottage Grove Road, Building H, Bloomfield, Ct 06002. The final order date for the citation was April 23, 2010.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,200 · Current $4,533 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): A written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented for required respirator use:     (a) Facility - On or about June 13, 2014, the employer failed to implement a written respiratory protection program that included worksite specific procedures.  Employees were exposed to 2 times the permissible exposure level for hexavalent chromium. Employees were required to wear, 3M, half face, negative pressure respirators, and Miller, powered air purifying respirators.The employer had a prewritten plan provided by 3M that lacked worksite specific information, such as:    (i) Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace;  (v) Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators;  (vii) Training of employees in the proper use of respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations;  (viii) Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance;  (ix) Procedures for regularly evaluating  the effectiveness of the program.    Becon, Incorporated, a Successor of Sound Construction Engineering, was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.107(g)(5), which was contained in OSHA inspection # 311782122, Citation Number 2, item number 3, issued on December 8, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 522 Cottage Grove Road, Building H, Bloomfield, Ct 06002. The final order date for the citation was April 23, 2010.

Issued

Dec 11, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $100 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2085

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:    (a) Main Building- Heavy Crane Area: On or about June 13, 2014 a small, home depot spray bottled, reported to have contained NO RINSE CLEANER, which contains disodium metasilicate and has a pH of 12.4, was not identified with its contents contained therein. The no rinse cleaner was used as a metal preparation.    Becon, Incorporated, a Successor of Sound Construction Engineering, was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection # 311782122, Citation Number 2, item number 5, issued on December 8, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 522 Cottage Grove Road, Building H, Bloomfield, Ct 06002. The final order date for the citation was April 23, 2010.