OSHA Inspection: ETOWAH CHEMICAL SALES & SERVICE

Issued

Feb 25, 2015

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $3,134 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, in that employees were exposed to struck by hazards:  On or about 11/13/14 and at times prior thereto employees walking/working in proximity of storage racks throughout the warehouse were exposed to be struck-by and/or crushed by metal racks and stored materials in the event of a collapse of the free standing, unanchored metallic storage racks, with bent, broken, and disconnected structural components. The owner did not maintain the structural integrity of the installed rack system by assuring proper operational, housekeeping, and maintenance procedures in order to correct deficiencies including (but not limited to) the following:    a) Warehouse - Broken, bent, and disconnected structural rack members were not repaired/replaced/inspected.    b) Warehouse - The rack system was free-standing and was not anchored to the floor.     c) Warehouse - There was no plaque posting the maximum permissible unit loads and load distribution to prevent                         overload.   d) Warehouse - Damaged wood pallets were used to support elevated loads in the rack.                  e) Warehouse -  Damaged rack areas were not relieved from load and taken out of service until repaired.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

Feb 25, 2015

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,933 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  Warehouse - On or about 11/13/14 and at times prior thereto the aisle leading to the emergency exit door was used as a storage space for tools, materials and equipment, delaying an emergency evacuation.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Feb 25, 2015

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,933 Reduced

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) Facility - On or about 11/13/14 and at times prior thereto employees handled and transferred corrosive chemicals including (but not limited to) 50 % sodium hydroxide received in bulk quantities. An emergency shower and eye wash station were not available for quick drenching/flushing. The emergency eye wash station was tested and was not operating. The area was not clearly identified with signs, as needed to minimize delays during an emergency.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Feb 25, 2015

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,785 · Current $1,160 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3): Portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check:  a) Warehouse - On or about 11/13/14 and at times prior thereto two  portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check. The labels read: "expires in one year from July 2013", and "expires in one year from August 2013", respectively.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).