OSHA Inspection: UNIT CORPORATION

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced

Hazardous substances S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.94(a)(2)(ii): The concentration of respirable dust or fume in the breathing zone of the abrasive-blasting operator or any other worker were not kept below the levels specified in 1910.1000:       a.  On or about October 9, 2014, yard, an employees personal 8-hour time-weighted average (8-Hr TWA) exposure to total dust containing 20% Crystalline Silica Quartz was 20.9 mg/m3 during abrasive blasting.  This exceeded the OSHA 8-Hr TWA PEL of 1.4 mg/m3 for Total Dust containing 20% Crystalline Silica Quartz by 15.3 times.  The personal air monitoring consisted of two samples collected during a 451 minute sampling period on 10/9/2014.  The remaining un-sampled time of 29 minutes was included in the 8-Hr TWA as a zero exposure period.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.94(a)(5)(v): Operators were not equipped with heavy canvas or leather gloves and aprons or equivalent protection to protect them from the impact of abrasives:        a.  On or about October 9, 2014, yard, an abrasive blasting employee had holes in the knee areas of his pants and was not equipped with protective clothing to protect his lower extremities from the impact of abrasives.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(g)(2): Employees were permitted to consume food or beverage in area(s) exposed to toxic materials:       a.  On or about October 9, 2014, yard, the employer did not ensure an employee did not chew tobacco during sand abrasive blasting operations which exposes employees to dust containing crystalline silica, iron, copper, vanadium, and manganese.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):    a.  On or about October 9, 2014, yard, feasible administrative or engineering controls were not first determined and implemented for sand abrasive blasting of drilling rig parts which includes but is not limited to the following:          1.Substitute with crystalline silica free abrasive blasting agents      2.Turn parts to prevent abrasive blasting overhead of employee,      3. Elevate parts from ground to prevent blasting into ground,      4.Conduct abrasive blasting inside a HEPA filtered ventilated enclosure.       An employee who conducted sand abrasive blasting was exposed to total dust containing 20% crystalline silica in excess of the OSHA PEL for total dust containing 20% crystalline silica.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.94(a)(6): The air for abrasive-blasting respirators was not  free of harmful quantities of dusts, mists, or noxious gases, and did not meet the requirements for air purity set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134(i):          a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not test compressed breathing air from an oil-lubricated compressor to ensure it met the requirements for Grade D breathing air described in ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989.  The oil-lubricated compressor did not have a high temperature alarm or carbon monoxide alarm and provided breathing air to a Clemco Apollo 600 HP abrasive blasting supplied air respirator worn by employees who were exposed to gas, vapor, and dust hazards during abrasive blasting using crystalline silica containing abrasives.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $4,900

Hazardous substances S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(ii): The employer did not select and use a NIOSH-certified respirator in compliance with the conditions of its certification:       a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not require that a Clemco abrasive blasting respirator be used in compliance with the conditions of its certification as follows:           1.  Clemco air hose was not used with a Clemco abrasive blasting respirator.            2.  Reversed supplied air hose and respirator air hose connections to the CPF filter           3.  Supply breathing air pressure at CPF regulator not set in accordance with manufacturers manual       Employees wore the respirator during abrasive blasting using crystalline silica containing abrasive which exposes employees to crystalline silica hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539C141S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1): Respirators were not cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or equivalent procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer:    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not ensure a clean Clemco Apollo 600 HP supplied air abrasive blasting respirator in that cadmium was present at the inside face shield area of the respirator that an employee wore during abrasive blasting with crystalline silica abrasive which exposes employees to crystalline silica and cadmium hazards.   b.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, 3M half mask air purifying elastomeric respirators were not cleaned and disinfected using procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or using procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer.  Employees who conducted spray operations were exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, xylene, n-butyl acetate, acetone, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances C141

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1027(d)(1)(i): The employer did not determine whether any employee was exposed to cadmium at or above the action level:    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not determine if abrasive blasting employees could be exposed to cadmium at or above the action level.  Cadmium was present on the inside face shield area of a Clemco Apollo 600 HP supplied air abrasive blasting respirator.  Employees were required to wear the abrasive blasting respirator and were exposed to crystalline silica and cadmium hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1): Employees were subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table G-16, and feasible administrative or engineering controls were not utilized:       a.  On or about October 9, 2014, yard, feasible administrative controls were not utilized for abrasive blasting and an employee was exposed to work place noise at an 8-hr TWA of 110.3 dBA, or equivalently a noise dose of 1670%.  The noise monitoring result was derived from a personal sampling time of 455 minutes and a non-sampled time of 25 minutes.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(i): The employer did not ensure that hearing protectors are worn by an employee who is required by 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1) to wear personal protective equipment:       a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, an employee who did abrasive blasting of oil/gas drilling rig parts was not required to wear hearing protection during abrasive blasting.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(j)(2): Hearing protectors did not attenuate employee exposure at least to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 90 decibels as required by 29 CFR 1910.95(b):    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, hearing protection worn by an employee who did abrasive blasting of oil/gas drilling rig parts did not attenuate employee noise exposure to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 90 dBA or less.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(d)(4)(i): "Construction." Inside storage rooms were not constructed to meet the required fire-resistive rating for their use. Such construction did not comply with the test specifications set forth in Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, NFPA 251-1969. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, the system not designed and installed in an acceptable manner. Openings to other rooms or buildings were not provided with noncombustible liquid-tight raised sills or ramps at least 4 inches in height, or the floor in the storage area were not at least 4 inches below the surrounding floor. Openings were not provided with approved self-closing fire doors. The room was not liquid-tight where the walls join the floor. A permissible alternate to the sill or ramp was not an open-grated trench inside of the room which drains to a safe location. Where other portions of the building or other properties are exposed, windows were not protected as set forth in the Standard for Fire Doors and Windows, NFPA No. 80-1968, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, for Class E or F openings. Wood at least 1 inch nominal thickness was not used for shelving, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay, and similar installations:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, at the paint mix and storage trailer, there was no self-closing door for the opening to the paint building; there was no raised sill, ramp, or open-grated trench where the floor storage area was the same level throughout the trailer.  Flammable liquids were stored such as coatings, primers, and thinners in excess of 120 gallons, which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(a): Except as provided in 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(b) and (c) all storage did not comply with 1910.106(d)(3) or (4):    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, next to paint mix/storage trailer, 4 drums, 55 gallons each, of Safety Kleen Ultra Kleen Spray Equipment Solution UN1263 (flammable liquid) were stored outside on a wooden deck which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(b)(2): The quantity of liquid that may be located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet in a building or in any one fire area of a building exceeded120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids in containers:        a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, storage of flammable coatings, primers, and thinner, that included but were not limited to Category 2 and 3 flammable liquids, exceeded 120 gallons as follows:          5 gallon container of HIS T807 VM & P Naphtha Thinner, quantity 1  5 gallon containers of HIS 98G205 Life Kote, quantity 2   5 gallon container of Anchor Saf-T-Gard II Enamel, quantity 1   5 gallon containers of HIS 80W08, quantity 11   1 gallon containers of HIS 98Y01 Base Polyamide Epoxy Primer, quantity 14   1 gallon containers of HIS 80A00 Interior/Exterior Gloss Alkyd Enamel, quantity 31   1 gallon containers of HIS 80B10 Acrylic Modified Gloss Alkyd Enamel, quantity 2  1 gallon containers of Anchor Saf-T-Gard II Enamel Yellow 914, quantity 8  1 gallon containers of HIS 80R30 Acrylic Modified Gloss, quantity 6   1 gallon containers of Anchor Saf-T-Gard II Enamel Burnt Orange, quantity 10   1 gallon containers of Jotun Barrier Av Component A, quantity 3  1 gallon containers of HIS 98G05 Base Polyamide Epoxy Primer, quantity 6  1 gallon containers of Anchor ANCO Inhibitive Primer Gray 1603, quantity 4  1 gallon containers of HIS 80Y06 Acrylic Modified Gloss Alkyd Enamel Top Drive Yellow, quantity 7  1 gallon unlabeled containers assumed to be HIS 80Y06 Acrylic Modified Gloss Alkyd Enamel Top Drive Yellow, quantity 4       The construction requirements for an inside storage room were not met and employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards where flammable and combustible liquids were stored.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii): "Containers." Flammable liquids were not stored in tanks or closed containers:      a.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint mix and storage room, a cover was lacking at an opening of a can of VM &P Naphtha Thinner (flammable liquid) that was not in use and which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.     b.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage room, a cover was lacking on an opening of a can of T819 Solvent 150 Thinner (flammable liquid) and a can of VM&P Naphtha Thinner (flammable liquid) that sat on the floor and were not in use which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d): Flammable liquids were not drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top, or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing valve:    a.  On or about October 16, 2014, next to paint mix/storage trailer, employees dispensed Safety Kleen Ultra Kleen Spray Equipment Solution, a flammable liquid, by gravity flow from a 55 gallon drum through a drum valve that did not require constant pressure to keep the valve open.  Employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards when dispensing flammable liquid from a 55 gallon drum.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(9)(iii): Combustible waste material and residues in a building or unit operating area were not kept to a minimum, stored in covered metal receptacles, and disposed of daily:    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint building, there were no covers for two openings at the top of a 55 gallon drum of spray gun cleaning waste which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(2):  Open flame or spark producing equipment was within a spraying area and/or within 20 feet thereof, was not separated by a partition:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, an employee worked from the platform of a diesel powered extensible boom lift to spray the top of a change house with coating (flammable liquid) mixed with converter (flammable liquid) which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(6): Electrical wiring, motors, and other equipment outside of but within twenty (20) feet of any spray area, and not separated therefrom by partitions, produced sparks under normal operating conditions and did not otherwise conform to the provisions of subpart S of this part for Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations:    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, west paint building wall, a diesel fueled forced air portable heater was within 20 feet of the spray area, was not separated by a partition, and did not conform to the provisions of Subpart S for Class I locations.  Employees spray flammable coatings and primers which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(5):  Electrical equipment not approved for locations containing both deposits of readily ignitable residues and explosive vapors was present in spraying area(s) whereon deposits of combustible residues may readily accumulate, except wiring in rigid conduit or in boxes or fittings containing no taps, splices, or terminal connections:          a.  On or about October 16, 2014, east wall of paint building, a relocatable power tap, covered with overspray, energized an overhead light fixture when an employee sprayed flammable coatings and primers which expose employees to fire and explosion hazards.       b.  On or about October 16, 2014, paint building, flexible cords had over spray present, were used to permanently power overhead lights, and were not in rigid conduit where an employee sprayed flammable coatings and primers which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.     c.  On or about October 16, 2014, west wall of paint building, a circuit breaker box had overspray present and an uncovered opening when an employee sprayed flammable coatings and primers which exposed employees to fire and explosion hazards.     d.  On or about October 16, 2014, west wall of paint building, the outer jacket of a flexible cord was pulled back from the plug end and the flexible cord lacked strain relief to prevent pull from being transmitted to terminal screws.  The flexible cord was used to power a light fixture where an employee sprayed flammable coatings and primers which expose employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(4): The withdrawal of flammable or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 degrees F (93 degrees C) from containers and the filling of containers, including portable mixing tanks, was not done only in a suitable mixing room or in a spraying area when the ventilating system is in operation. Adequate precautions were not taken to protect against liquid spillage and sources of ignition.       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, the employer did not ensure adequate precautions against sources of ignition where an electric powered refrigerator that was not approved under Subpart S for Class 1 Division 2 Hazardous Locations, was within 10 feet of the mixing bench where employees mix flammable coatings and primers which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.       b.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, the employer did not ensure adequate precautions against sources of ignition where employees used an electric powered drill that was not approved under Subpart S for Class 1 Division 2 Hazardous Locations, to mix flammable coatings and primers which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(e)(5): Containers supplying spray nozzles were not closed or provided with metal coverings kept closed:    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, mixtures of 80W08 Unit Drilling White Enamel (flammable liquid) and 8030 Urethane Converter (flammable liquid) were in an open 5 gallon can that fed a hose used for spraying the mixtures which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.     b.  On or about October 16, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, mixtures of  98G205 primer (flammable liquid) and 98Z205 activator (flammable liquid) and mixtures of 98Y01 (flammable liquid) and 98Z05 catalyst (flammable liquid) were in an open 5 gallon can that fed a hose used for spraying the mixtures which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(3): Approved metal waste cans shall were not provided wherever rags or waste are impregnated with finishing material and all such rags or waste were not deposited therein immediately after use:         a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix and storage trailer, tyvek protective suits worn during spraying of a mixture of 80W08 Unit Drilling White Enamel (flammable liquid) and 8030 Urethane Converter (flammable liquid) and paint cans were disposed of into plastic trash receptacles rather than metal trash receptacles.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(b)(6)(vi): Readily ignitable material such as weeds and long dry grass were not removed within 10 feet of any container:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, at the west side of the paint building, weeds and tall grass were present around a propane cylinder with an attached hose and torch which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(c)(4)(ii): Containers were not set upon firm foundation or otherwise firmly secured:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, at the west side of the paint building, a propane cylinder was not secured from tip over and sat directly on the ground which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(c)(6)(ii): Regulators and low-pressure relief devices were not rigidly attached to the cylinder valves, cylinders, supporting standards, the building walls or otherwise rigidly secured and were not so installed or protected that the elements (sleet, snow, or ice) will not affect their operation:    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, at the west side of the paint building, a regulator was not provided at the valve of a propane cylinder to which a hose and torch were attached which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(c)(6)(iii):  Valves and connections to the containers were not protected while in transit, in storage, and while being moved into final utilization, as follows (a) - (b):    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, at the west side of the paint building, a non-recessed valve of a propane cylinder did not have a valve cap or collar and was not protected from damage which exposes employees to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1539

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.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, the employer did not ensure an employee used protective covers for boots during all spraying of top coat which exposes the employee hazardous chemicals including but not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, and VM&P naphtha.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1)(iii): Employee(s) required to use PPE by this section were not trained to know how to don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, the employer did not ensure an employee was trained to properly doff a head sock and a tyvek suit worn during top coat spraying which exposes employees to coating which contains hazardous chemicals including but not limited to isocyanate, mineral spirits, and VM&P naphtha.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

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:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, the employer did not ensure employees wore adequate eye and face protection to prevent contamination of the eyes or face with liquid chemicals during spraying of isocyanate containing coating.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(b): The employer did not base selection of appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the tasks to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified:       a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building, The employer did not base selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the hazards of spraying isocyanate containing top coat.  The employer did not provide chemical resistant gloves for spraying isocyanate containing top coat which exposes employees to hazardous chemicals including but not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, and VM&P naphtha.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:    a.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint building and paint mix/storage trailer, suitable facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and body were not provided where employees mix and spray top coat which exposes employees to corrosive chemicals including but not limited to isophorone diisocyanate.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 Reduced

Hazardous substances 00400440153922702590

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.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with work-site specific procedures for employees who were required to wear respirators that included but were not limited to 3M half mask air purifying elastomeric respirators during primer and coating spray operations on metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations.  Employees who conducted spray operations were exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyante, mineral spirits, xylene, n-butyl acetate, acetone, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2): The employer did not implement a change schedule for respirators not equipped with an End of Service Life Indicator that would ensure cartridges were changed before the end of their service life:    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint building, for protection against gases and vapors during top coat and primer spray operations, the employer did not implement a change schedule for respirator cartridges that was based on objective data to ensure respirator cartridges were changed before the end of their service life.  Employees were required to wear half mask elastomeric respirators with N95 filters and organic chemical cartridges during top coat and primer spray operations which exposes employees to hazardous airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, xylene, n-butyl acetate, acetone, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539S103

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:    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, the employer did not provide a medical evaluation to employees who were required to wear respirators that included but were not limited to the following:          1.  Clemco Apollo 600 HP supplied air abrasive blasting respirator      2.  3M half mask air purifying elastomeric respirators     Abrasive blasting employees were exposed to respirable dust containing crystalline silica during abrasive blasting of metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations.  Employees who sprayed primers and coatings on metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations were exposed to airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyante, mineral spirits, xylene, n-butyl acetate, acetone, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(1): The employer did not ensure that employee(s) required to use a tight-fitting facepiece respirator passed the appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT):    a.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint building, the employer did not provide qualitative or quantitative respirator fit tests to employees who were required to wear elastomeric half face negative pressure air purifying respirators during spraying of primers and coatings on metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations which exposes employees to airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, xylene, n-butyl acetate, acetone, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 004015392270

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.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint building, the employer permitted half mask elastomeric respirators to be worn by an employee who had facial hair between the sealing surface of the respirator and the face during spraying of primers and coatings on metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations which exposes employees to airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, and acetone.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 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.  On or about October 7, 2014, paint mix/storage trailer, an elastomeric half mask air purifying respirator with filters and organic cartridges was not stored covered to protect from contamination, dust, and damaging chemicals and was left on a bench where paint and primer were mixed.  Employees were required to wear elastomeric half mask respirators during top coat and primer spray operations and were exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals including but not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, and acetone.     b.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix/storage trailer, an elastomeric half mask air purifying respirator with filters and organic cartridges was not stored covered to protect from contamination, dust, and damaging chemicals and was left on a paint can during a break period.  Employees were required to wear elastomeric half mask respirators during top coat and primer spray operations and were exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate, mineral spirits, and acetone.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.169(b)(3)(i): Compressed air receiver(s) were not equipped with indicating pressure gage(s):     a.  On or about October 7, 2014, abrasive blasting shed, a compressed air receiver tank did not have an indicating air pressure gage which exposes employees to explosion hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:    On or about October 15, 2014, at the paint building, an air reducer was not provided on a compressed air nozzle and hose an employee used to clean dust from a change house.  Compressed air was provided from a blue air tank and the tank air gage read 110 PSI which exposes employees to compressed air in excess of 30 PSI.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,500 Reduced

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.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix/storage trailer, there were no identity labels on 3 unlabeled metal containers of fluid that sat on a shelf, and one unlabeled metal container of fluid that sat on the floor.  Flammable coatings, primers, and paint thinners were stored in the area which exposes employees to hazards including but not limited to fires and explosions.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 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.  On or about October 15, 2014, paint mix/storage trailer, there were no hazard warning labels on 3 unlabeled metal containers of fluid that sat on a shelf, and one unlabeled metal container of fluid that sat on the floor.  Flammable coatings, primers, and paint thinners were stored in the area which exposes employees to hazards including but not limited to fires and explosions:

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Mar 25, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1):  The employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard was introduced into their work area.  Chemical-specific information was not always available through labels and safety data sheets.    On or about October 7, 2014, the employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area. Employees were using coatings containing chemicals such as, but not limited to n-Butyl Acetate at concentrations of 10-20%, xylene at concentrations of 5.4%, Toluene at concentrations of 15-65%, and Acetone in concentrations of 10-55%.  Employees were also using blast media, Crystalline Silica in the form of Quartz.  This exposed employees to gas, vapor, and dust hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2015

Abate by

Apr 8, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1539S103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii): Employee training did not include the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area:       a.  On or about October 7, 2014, yard, effective hazard communication training was not provided on the health hazards of abrasive blasting agent that contains crystalline silica and paint converters that contain isocyanate.  Employees who did abrasive blasting of metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations and employees who sprayed coatings on metal structures for oil/gas drilling operations were exposed to hazardous airborne chemicals that include but are not limited to isophorone diisocyanate and crystalline silica.