OSHA Inspection: HANBY FARMS INC.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

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 due to falling from a raised working surface.  a. At the dumpster, employees stand on a pallet raised by a forklift to 5 feet above the ground to dump barrels of trash into the dumpster, employees are exposed to a fall hazard of 5 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides,  a. In the bagging area of the feed mill, the platform to get to the old bagger was missing a 4 foot section of guardrail; thereby exposing employees to a fall hazard of 11 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): "Railings and handrails." Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of 1910.23.  a. Near the Dryer the fixed industrial stairs had open side without standard railing; thereby exposing employees to a fall hazard of 4 feet.  b. The fixed industrial stairs behind the dryer had an open side without standard railing; thereby exposing employees to a fall hazard of 6 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(d)(1)(iv): Cages shall extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet nor more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder, with bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or portion of cage opposite ladder shall be carried to the base.  a. The cage for the industrial ladder at the Dryer was installed at 9 feet above the base, the employees were exposed to a fall hazard of 11 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(e)(4): "Pitch greater than 90 degrees." Ladders having a pitch in excess of 90 degrees with the horizontal are prohibited.  a. In the back storage bin area, the employer had a fixed ladder with a cage. The section of the ladder below the cage was angled in excess of  90 degrees. Employees were exposed to a fall hazard of 11 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(f): "Maintenance." All ladders shall be maintained in a safe condition. All ladders shall be inspected regularly, with the intervals between inspections being determined by use and exposure.  a. The fixed industrial ladder used to access the head house was damaged; the cage was broken and deteriorated. Employees are exposed to a fall hazard of 15 to 20 feet.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(g)(3)(iv)(d): The dispensing units, except those attached to containers, shall be mounted either on a concrete island or protected against collision damage by suitable means.  a. The 520 gallon aboveground gasoline dispensing tank near the garage was not protected from inadvertent physical damage from vehicles exposing employees to a fire/explosion hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.145(c)(3): Safety instruction signs. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.  a. At the North West door to the bagging room, the employer did not have a combustible dust hazard sign to warn against potential deflagration and explosion hazards from combustible dust atmospheres that may occur during the handling and bagging of dries ingredients.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,155 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall 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.  NOTE: A sign reading DANGER -- PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.  a. Doors to grain silo bins were not posted with confined space signs or equally effective notice, the employees were exposed to atmospheric, caught in, and engulfment hazards.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 14, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(vi)(a): Only approved power operated industrial trucks designated as EX shall be used in atmospheres in which combustible dust is or may be in suspension continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, or where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such mixtures to be produced.  a. In the bagging and pelletizing areas, employees used a Toyota combustion engine forklift to move materials, the area was a Class II location due to airborne grain dust. Due to this ignition source, employees were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(F): Training program content. Powered industrial truck operators shall receive initial training in the following topics, except in topics which the employer can demonstrate are not applicable to safe operation of the truck in the employer's workplace. Workplace-related topics: Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated;  a. Employees were not trained to identify and understand the limitations and hazards of powered industrial vehicles in Class II hazardous locations/environments.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(A): Refresher training in relevant topics shall be provided to the operator when: The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner;   a. Employees were not retrained on forklift limitations and operations as it pertains to climbing onto the forks without approved adaptation device. Employees were exposed to a fall hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,155 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(iii): When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement.  a. Near the grain elevator a Cat forklift was used to raise a motor, the employees left the forklift unattended with the forks raised to approximately 10 feet. Employees were exposed to a struck by hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

Jul 1, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1): Only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered.    a. Near the grain elevator the employees were using the forklift as an under slung hoisting device to raise a motor. The load was not protected from displacement from the rigging sliding free, the employees were exposed to a struck by hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical and inclined belts shall be enclosed by a guard conforming to standards in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.  a. In the bagging area, the Roller Mill had a series of 6 half inch belts that were unguarded. The employees were exposed to a caught in hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided. This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets.  a. On the catwalk over the bagging area, the chain and sprocket for the old bagger was not guarded. Employees were exposed to a caught in hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1)(ii): Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures.  a. The employees were not trained on safety practices and procedures for clearing a choked (clogged) leg, thereby exposing employees to caught in, fire, and explosion hazards.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

Jun 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(i): The employer shall issue a permit for entering bins, silos, or tanks unless the employer or the employer's representative (who would otherwise authorize the permit) is present during the entire operation. The permit shall certify that the precautions contained in this paragraph (1910.272(g)) have been implemented prior to employees entering bins, silos or tanks. The permit shall be kept on file until completion of the entry operations.    a. The employer has not developed a program for issuing bin entry permits and the employer does not certify that precautions contained in paragraph 1910.272(g) have been performed. The employees were exposed to atmospheric, engulfment, caught in hazardous equipment hazards.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iii): The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank shall be tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents when the employer has reason to believe they may be present. Additionally, the atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank shall be tested for oxygen content unless there is continuous natural air movement or continuous forced-air ventilation before and during the period employees are inside. If the oxygen level is less than 19.5%, or if combustible gas or vapor is detected in excess of 10% of the lower flammable limit, or if toxic agents are present in excess of the ceiling values listed in Subpart Z of 29 CFR Part 1910, or if toxic agents are present in concentrations that will cause health effects which prevent employees from effecting self-rescue or communication to obtain assistance, the following provisions apply.  a.  The employer does not have atmospheric testing equipment for use prior to performing bin entry. Atmospheric testing has not been performed. The employees are exposed to hazardous atmospheric conditions.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

Jun 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer shall provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered.    a. The employer did not have tripods or other rescue equipment available to perform rescue operations. Employees were exposed to an engulfment hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(5): The employee acting as observer shall be trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance.  a. Employees are not trained in rescue procedures, employees were exposed to engulfment and hazardous atmospheric conditions.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(vi): Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations: Arcing effects;  a. In the electrical room, the safety switch box was open with exposed fuses and spliced flexible cords. The employees were exposed to an Arc Flash/Arc Blast hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(viii): Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations. Other factor that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment:  a. In the electrical room the employer failed to inspect Motor Control Center (MCC) equipment to ensure that the covers and trim were installed upon completion of work. Due to this condition, combustible grain dust can collect in the electrical equipment and expose employees to a fire / explosion hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this standard, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the following means:  a. In the electrical room the employer failed to guard the MCC to ensure that the covers and trim were installed upon completion of work. The employees were exposed to a fire / explosion hazard.  b. In the electrical room, the safety switch box that has the two flexible cords hardwired into the phases was open with exposed live parts greater than 50 volts. The employees were exposed to electrical hazards and this condition is an ignition source for combustible grain dust that poses increased risk for fire and explosion.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5): Grounding path. The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures shall be permanent, continuous, and effective.  a. In the electrical room, the black 4 gauge wire used to energize the Leeson Model C6T17FC9H Motor in the Head House, was not grounded. Employees were exposed to an electrical contact hazard.  b. In the "old set up", the flexible cord was missing the ground pin. Employees were exposed to an electrical contact hazard. c. In the bagging area, the flexible cord for the fan was missing the grounding pin. Employees were exposed to an electrical contact hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 26, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.  a. In the electrical room, the pallet leg box had an unused opening on the side. Employees were exposed to an electrical hazard.  b. In the "old set up," the Drymore safety shutoff switch box had an unused opening in the top of the box. The employees were exposed to a fire/explosion hazard.  c. In the "old set up," the pit/leg panel box had an unused opening between the light for the orange tank and the road fan. The employees were exposed to electrical hazards.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(c)(4): Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches. Snap switches mounted in boxes shall have faceplates installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface.  a. In the Owners office, the snap switch for the lights did not have a cover. The employees were exposed to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(1)(i): Fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and receptacles may have no live parts normally exposed to employee contact. However, rosettes and cleat-type lampholders and receptacles located at least 2.44 m (8.0 ft) above the floor may have exposed terminals.  a. In the main office, the receptacle used to energize the air conditioning unit did not have a cover to protect employees from exposure to live parts. Employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.  b. In the owners office, the receptacle used to power the computer, printer, and monitor did not have a cover to protect employees from contact with live parts. Employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,540 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used: As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;  a. In the plant managers office, a flexible cord set was used in lieu of fixed wiring to provide current to a printer. Employees were exposed to a fire hazard.  a. In the main office building, a flexible cord set was used in lieu of fixed wiring to provide current to a printer in the back room. Employees were exposed to a fire hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,695 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used: Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;  a. In the feed mill the flexible cord hardwired into the 480 safety switch box was run out of the electrical room and then up approximately 100 feet through the ceiling. It was then run along the outside of the headhouse to the window, and run through the window into the motor running the conveyor system.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.  a. In the building across from the grain loading station, the 240 VAC flexible cord was not provided proper strain relief. The employees were exposed to an electrical hazard.  b. In the bagging area near the door on the north wall, the 240 VAC flexible cord was not provided with strain relief. The employees were exposed to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(4)(ii): An individual disconnecting means shall be provided for each controller. A disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the controller location. However, a single disconnecting means may be located adjacent to a group of coordinated controllers mounted adjacent to each other on a multi-motor continuous process machine. The controller disconnecting means for motor branch circuits over 600 volts, nominal, may be out of sight of the controller, if the controller is marked with a warning label giving the location and identification of the disconnecting means that is to be locked in the open position.  a. The motor in the head house is not provided with a disconnect within sight of the motor. Employees are exposed to a fire/explosion hazard.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.  a. The employer failed to certify in writing that a hazard assessment had been performed.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2): Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly.  a. The employer failed to inspect any of the fire extinguishers in the plant on a monthly basis.

Issued

Apr 29, 2015

Abate by

May 19, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(a)(6): The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition.  a. The name plates and load capacity markings were removed from the Caterpillar #4 forklift, the employees were exposed to a struck by hazard.