OSHA Inspection: ST FEED MILL, LLC

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer does not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from the recognized hazards of being crushed-by which are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:      This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, at the facility where employees were exposed to crushed-by hazards when operating Hyundai forklifts to move product and supplies without a seat belt.      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 seatbelts are used when operating forklifts.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Apr 1, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The employer does not furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from the recognized hazards which are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards caused by equipment used to process animal feed:      a) This violation occurred on or about September 18, 2014, outside the commodity barn where employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards when the dust collector was not protected from explosion hazards.     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 the dust collector is protected from explosion hazards.          b) This violation occurred on or about September 18, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards when a spout from the ceiling created a dust emission source when dropping feed into mixer #1.      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 spout is dust tight when dropping feed into the mixer.            c) This violation occurred on or about September 18, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards when the mixers were open creating a dust emission source.    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 the mixers do not create a dust emission source.      d) This violation occurred on or about September 25, 2014, in the commodity barn unloading where employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards when the hammer mill exhaust path had openings creating a potential deflagration path.      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 the openings on the hammer mill exhaust do not create a deflagration path.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,680 Reduced

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 10, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to dust explosion, deflagration and fire hazards when mixing commodities for animal feed without posting warning signs to alert employee to the hazards of combustible dust.         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.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1): The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces were permit-required confined spaces:      The employer does not ensure that the workplace is evaluated to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.        a) This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when performing repairs or maintenance on mixers without evaluating the spaces to determine if they were permit-required confined spaces.      b) This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, in the grain pit area where employees were exposed to engulfment hazards when monitoring inventory on silos without evaluating the spaces to determine if they were permit-required confined spaces.        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 the workplace is evaluated to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:   The employer does not ensure that employees are informed of the existence and location of permit spaces by posting danger signs or other equally effective means.         a) This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when performing repairs or maintenance on mixers without danger signs or other equally effective means posted of the permit space.    b) This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, in the grain pit area where employees were exposed to engulfment hazards when monitoring inventory on silos without danger signs or other equally effective means posted of the permit space.       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 are informed of the existence and location of permit spaces by posting danger signs or other equally effective means.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Apr 1, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(B): The energy control procedure did not clearly and specifically outline the procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy:      The employer does not ensure that energy control procedures specifically outline the steps for shutting down or isolating equipment to control hazardous energy.  This violation occurred on or about September 17, 2014, at the facility where maintenance employees were exposed to caught-in and struck-by hazards when performing service and/or maintenance tasks on equipment such as, but not limited to, mixers and grain elevators without specifically outlining the steps for isolating energy to the equipment.           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 energy control procedures specifically outline the steps for shutting down or isolating equipment to control hazardous energy.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Apr 1, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(i): A procedure was not utilized to afford the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device when servicing and/or maintenance was performed by a crew, craft, department or other group:      The employer does not ensure that a procedure is utilized to afford the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lock when servicing is performed by a crew.  This violation occurred on or about September 17, 2014, at the facility where maintenance employees were exposed to caught-in and struck-by hazards when performing service and/or maintenance tasks on equipment such as, but not limited to, mixers and grain elevators without each employee applying a lockout or tagout device.           Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that a procedure is utilized to afford the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lock when servicing is performed by a crew.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,680 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each operator had successfully completed the training required by paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5), prior to permitting an employee to operate a forklift:      The employer does not ensure that each operator successfully completes the training required by paragraph (l) prior to permitting an employee to operate a forklift.  This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, on the cat litter line where an employee was exposed to crushed-by hazards when operating a Hyundai 18L-7M forklift for moving supplies without forklift training.        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 each operator successfully completes the training required by paragraph (l) prior to permitting an employee to operate a forklift.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Mar 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):      The employer does not ensure that pulleys with parts seven feet or less from the floor are guarded.  This violation occurred on or about September 22, 2014, near the clean grain elevator where an employee was exposed to caught-in hazards when operating a conveyor without enclosing the pulleys.        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 pulleys with parts seven feet or less from the floor are guarded.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical or inclined belt(s) were not enclosed by guard(s) conforming to the requirements specified at 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):   The employer does not ensure that vertical or inclined belts are enclosed by guards.  This violation occurred on or about September 22, 2014, near the clean grain elevator where an employee was exposed to caught-in hazards when operating a conveyor without enclosing the belts.     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 vertical or inclined belts are enclosed by guards.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven (7) feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:      The employer does not ensure that sprocket wheels and chains which are seven feet or less above floors or platforms are enclosed.        a) This violation was observed on or about September 10, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to caught-in hazards when operating the drag chain conveyor below mixer #1 without enclosing the end of the drag chain conveyor.      b) This violation was observed on or about September 18, 2014, in the bird seed mixing area where an employee was exposed to caught-in hazards when operating the drag chain conveyor for the bird seed without enclosing the end of the drag chain conveyor.      c)  This violation was observed on or about September 18, 2014, outside the commodity barn where employees were exposed to caught-in hazards when operating the dust collector without enclosing the chain and sprocket to the auger.        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 sprocket wheels and chains which are seven feet or less above floors or platforms are enclosed.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(2)(ii): The employer did not immediately remove any fugitive grain dust accumulations whenever the exceeded 1/8 inch (.32cm) at priority housekeeping areas, pursuant to the housekeeping program for grain elevators:      The employer does not ensure that fugitive grain dust accumulations that exceed 1/8 inch in priority housekeeping areas are immediately removed.  This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, in the mixing area where employees were exposed to dust explosion and fire hazards during mixing operations for animal feed when an accumulation of more than 1/8 inch of combustible grain dust was on horizontal surfaces such as, but not limited to, equipment, floors and structural members.           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 fugitive grain dust accumulations that exceed 1/8 inch in priority housekeeping areas are immediately removed.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Mar 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(l)(1): Fabric dust filter collectors, which were a part of a pneumatic dust collection system in the grain handling facility, were not equipped with a monitoring device that would indicate a pressure drop across the surface of the filter:      The employer does not ensure that fabric dust filter collectors which are part of a pneumatic dust collection system are equipped with a monitoring device that would indicate a pressure drop across the surface of the filter.  This violation occurred on or about September 18, 2014, outside the commodity barn where employees were exposed to dust explosion and fire hazards when using the hammer mill and hay grinder without a functioning monitoring device on the dust collection system.           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 fabric dust filter collectors which are part of a pneumatic dust collection system is equipped with a monitoring device that would indicate a pressure drop across the surface of the filter.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Mar 4, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(m)(2): The employer did not promptly correct dust collection systems in the grain handling facility which were malfunctioning or operating below designed efficiency:      The employer does not ensure that dust collection systems which are malfunctioning or operating below designed efficiency are promptly corrected.  This violation occurred on or about September 18, 2014, outside the commodity barn where employees were exposed to dust explosion and fire hazards when using the hammer mill and hay grinder with an accumulation of dust on the filters of the dust collection system.           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 dust collection systems which are malfunctioning or operating below designed efficiency are promptly corrected.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Openings through which conductors entered cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:      The employer does not ensure that unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings are effectively closed.   This violation was observed on or about September 10, 2014, below the mixer #1 drag chain conveyor where employees were exposed to electrical and fire hazards when a fitting was not attached to the motor exposing insulated conductor wires.        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 that unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings are effectively closed.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:        The employer does not ensure that unused openings in boxes are effectively closed.  This violation was observed on or about September 25, 2014, on the lead box to mixer #2 where employees were exposed to electrical and fire hazards when the cover was shifted creating an opening inside the lead box.      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 unused opening in boxes are effectively closed.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Mar 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c): Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:      The employer does not ensure that equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous locations are intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous location or safe for the hazardous location.        a) This violation was observed on or about September 10, 2014, located in the mixing area where employees were exposed to explosion and fire hazards when the door to the APEC electrical cabinet (SN:6363) used for the liquid system was broken.      b) This violation was observed on or about September 25, 2014, on mixer #2 where employees were exposed to explosion and fire hazards when a receptacle used for tools was not approved for a Class II hazardous location.        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 equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous locations are intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous location or safe for the hazardous location.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i): Respirator users were not provided with the information contained in Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.134 when the employer determined that any voluntary respirator use was permissible:   The employer does not ensure that respirator users are provided with information contained in Appendix D for voluntary respirator use.  This violation occurred on or about September 17, 2014, at the facility where employees wore 3M 8511 dust masks on a volunteer basis during bagging and mixing operations.       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 respirator users are provided with information contained in Appendix D for voluntary respirator use.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Mar 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D): Lockout devices and tagout devices did not indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s):      The employer does not ensure that lockout devices and tagout devices indicate the identity of the employee applying the devices.  This violation occurred on or about September 17, 2014, at the facility where maintenance employees performed service and/or maintenance tasks on equipment such as, but not limited to mixers and grain elevators without identifying the employee applying the lockout device.           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 lockout devices and tagout devices indicate the identity of the employee applying the devices.

Issued

Feb 5, 2015

Abate by

Feb 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6): The certification did not include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation:   The employer does not ensure that the certification included the name of the operator, the date of training, the date of the evaluation and the identity of the person performing the training or evaluation.  This violation occurred on or about September 10, 2014, at the facility where the forklift training was not certified for a forklift driver operating a Hyundai 15L-7M forklift.       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 the certification included the name of the operator, the date of training, the date of the evaluation and the identity of the person performing the training or evaluation.