OSHA Inspection: RECYCLING REVOLUTION, LLC

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $2,541 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): Floor(s) of workroom(s) were not maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to slips/trips and falls hazards, in that the floors in the Synch-Wash area were not kept dry or clear of recycled materials as employees traversed work areas while operating and maintaining the film-floating wet system.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $1,694 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards:      a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to falls of 6 feet to the floor level, in that the south working platform on the Trumbler machine did not include standard railings as employees worked near the open-sided platform when positioning bales and cutting bale wires.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(e): The fixed stairs were not installed at angles to the horizontal between 30 and 50 degrees as outlined, but not limited to the combinations given in Table D-1:  a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to falls of up to 6 feet 1 in. to the floor level, in that a 7-riser open stairway on the Trumbler machine was positioned at 65.7° angle-of-stairway rise, as employees accessed and vacated the stairway and working platform.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:  a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fall hazards of up to 6 feet 1 inch to the floor level, in that an open-sided 7-riser stairway on the Trumbler machine was not provided with standard railings as employees accessed and vacated the stairway and working platform.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,117 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1): Employee(s) were not able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge:    a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about August 5, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards including death, in that a pedestrian exit-route door at the south-end receiving dock required excessive force to open from the inside, impeding quick-building egress.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,964 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1): Portable fire extinguishers were not mounted, located and identified so that they were readily accessible without subjecting the employees to injuries:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that a portable fire extinguisher was not located at the 500-gal. LPG tank positioned outside while employees expected to use fire extinguishers used it to fight incipient propane fires.      b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that the wall-mounted portable fire extinguisher behind the band saw was obstructed by solid-waste accumulation, subjecting employees expected to use it to injury while extinguishing incipient fires.      c)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that a portable fire extinguisher located in the office just north of the office manager's desk was situated on the floor, and subject to damage while employees expected to use it fight incipient fires.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4): Portable fire extinguishers were not kept in their designated places at all times except during use:  a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that three discharged portable fire extinguishers were not maintained in operable condition while employees relied on these for use during incipient-fire incidents.    b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that three operational portable fire extinguishers were positioned on a filing cabinet instead of their designated places while employees relied on these for use during incipient-fire incidents.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $2,117 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1): Powered industrial truck(s) found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe had not been  taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to hazards not limited to struck-by, in that a Toyota TCM Model FCG25 6,000-lb. powered industrial truck had a malfunctioning parking brake, a head-light out, and a missing horn-pad, and was not taken out of service as employees loaded and unloaded trucks, among additional material-handling tasks.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,851 · Current $2,118 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(i): Oxygen cylinders were stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease; or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near another substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment:       a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards in the maintenance room, in that an oxygen cylinder and acetylene cylinder were stored adjacent to each other as employees walked and worked near the cylinders.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(ii): Assigned storage spaces for cylinders was not located away from elevators, stairs, or gangways where cylinders could not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons:   a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards in the maintenance room, in that an oxygen and acetylene cylinder were not stored securely in an assigned storage space, subject to being knocked over or damaged as employees walked by and worked around the cylinders.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(iv): Valve protection caps, where cylinders were designed to accept caps, were not always in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders were in use or connected for use:   a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards in the maintenance room, in that an acetylene cylinder lacked a protective cap as employees walked by and worked around the cylinder it was subject to being knocked over and damaged.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $2,964 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(4)(v): The disconnecting means was not readily accessible:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about August 5, 2014 and November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to hazards not limited to fire and amputations, in that an energized 240/110 VAC pull box for the shredder was blocked by excessive debris as employees used it for emergency-motor shutdown and maintenance.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,700 · Current $4,235 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:    a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about August 5, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees trip-and-fall, and fire hazards including death, in that a pedestrian exit route adjacent to the west-end shipping dock was partially obstructed by excessive debris, including a pallet and large box, impeding emergency egress.      b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees trip-and-fall, emergency egress hazards including death, in that a pedestrian walkway leading to the west-end shipping dock was partially obstructed by a low-hanging light fixture, impeding emergency egress.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.37(a)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 2, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,700 · Current $4,235 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(b)(6)(vi): Readily ignitable material such as weeds and long dry grass was not removed within 10 feet of any container:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about August 5, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards at the outdoor LPG 500-gallon tank, in that it was adjacent to long-dry grass and weeds, as forklift operators filled 33-lb. propane cylinders.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.110(h)(6)(i)(b), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 2, item number 2, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,540 · Current $850 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): The employer did not establish a program consisting of an energy control procedure, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performed any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to amputation hazards and death, in that he did not establish a written lockout/tagout program including specific energy-control procedures for machinery and equipment not limited to vertical balers, a band saw, a sorting-line conveyor system, and a synch-wash system, to protect employees from unexpected start-ups while performing emergency and preventive-maintenance activities.     Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.147(c)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 6, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,540 · Current $850 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3): Portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check:     a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to fire hazards, in that a portable fire extinguisher mounted on the east wall was last inspected in 2009, as employees relied on the device during incipient-fire incidents.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.157(e)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 2, item number 3, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $5,929 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):      a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to amputation hazards, in that the Ten-Sixty vertical baler's 7 ½ in. X 15 in. opening was not guarded as the operator inserted a pole into the loading chamber to loosen plastics when the ram cycled downward.      b)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to amputation hazards, in that when the Cram-A-Lot and Ten-Sixty vertical balers access doors  were open when rams cycled downward as operators reached inside the loading chambers to loosen Styrofoam and plastics pieces.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 8b, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,700 · Current $4,235 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven (7) feet or less above the floor or platform were not enclosed:     a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to amputation hazards, in that the west-side of pick line chain pulleys were not guarded as workers cleaned debris from surrounding floors, and as supervisors walked by while the line was in operation.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.219(f)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 10 b, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 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):  a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about August 6, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to amputation and struck-by hazards, in that the Cumberland grinders inclined-belt pulleys were not guarded as workers swept the surrounding floors, and as supervisors walked by while the drive-motor  was in operation.  Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.219(e)(3)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 10a, incident a), and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $9,240 · Current $5,083 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Each outlet box in completed installations did not have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy:      a)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that 460 VAC, 3-phase main electrical box at the Ten-Sixty baler did not contain a cover while the operator stacked cardboard touching the open side, and performed related wiring-preparation and cleaning duties in close proximity to exposed wiring and electrical components inside the box.      b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that 240 VAC outlet box at the Synch-Wash machine did not contain a cover under the motor while the operator troubleshot motor problems, and performed related adjustments and cleaning duties in close proximity to exposed wiring and water on the floor.       c)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that two energized 120 VAC indicator boxes at the Synch-Wash control panel did not contain covers while the operator and others walked by to perform machinery actuations, related adjustments, and cleaning duties in close proximity to exposed wiring, while standing in water on the floor.      d)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that an energized 240 VAC electrical box containing fittings and a pressure gage near the north wall did not contain a cover as employees read the gage, performed maintenance, and passed by within a few feet.      e)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that an energized 120 VAC light switch on the southwest wall had a broken cover as employees used the ON/OFF toggle switch.      f)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that an energized 240 VAC limit-switch box on the southeast corner of the Ten-Sixty baler had a missing cover as the operator maneuvered within a few feet to prepare/pull wiring, among other duties.      g)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that an energized 120 VAC wall outlet on the computer-room south wall had a missing cover as employees walked by and drove forklifts by, and swept the surrounding floors.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(b)(2), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 2, item number 4, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(d)(2): Panel boards were not dead front:   a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that inside a west-side wall-mounted 220 VAC panel-box No. 18 did not include a dead-front while employees activated switches, and performed other duties in the near-vicinity.     b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that inside a west-side wall-mounted 220 VAC panel-box No. 19 did not include a dead-front while employees activated switches, and performed other duties in the near-vicinity.     c)     At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that inside a west-side wall-mounted 220 VAC panel-box No. 27 did not include a dead-front   while employees activated switches, and performed other duties in the near-vicinity.     d)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that inside a west-side wall-mounted 220 VAC panel-box No. 3 did not include a dead-front while employees activated switches, and performed other duties in the near-vicinity.     e)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that a wall-mounted 220 VAC panel box (labeled 6 GR) on the east side of the computer room did not include a dead-front while employees activated switches, and performed other duties in the near-vicinity.     Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(d)(2), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 1, item number 12, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $154 · Current $84 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Flexible cords and cables were used for purposes prohibited by subparagraphs (a) through (f) of this paragraph:      a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that energized 120 VAC flexible cords located at the computer room exterior wall were used as permanent wiring when employees used the appliances or equipment to which these cords were connected.      b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that energized 120 VAC flexible cords located at the computer room exterior wall were used  running through a doorway when employees used the appliances or equipment to which the cord was connected.               Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 2, item number 5, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $154 · Current $84 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:    a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that a live 240 VAC flexible cord entering the Trumbler motor lacked strain relief, as employees operated the power ON/OFF lever at the pull box, and swept the floor near the motor.    b)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards, in that a live 240 VAC flexible cord entering the Synch-Wash actuator panel box lacked strain relief, as employees operated the UP/DOWN buttons, and walked around the film-floating system.    Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 589260, citation number 2, item number 7, and was affirmed as a final order on Feb. 13, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,540 · Current $850 Reduced

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)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to chemical hazards, in that a written hazard-communication program was not maintained as employees used chemicals not limited to oxygen, acetylene, and propane.      Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.1200(e)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 590524, citation number 1, item number 3a, and was affirmed as a final order on December 12, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1): The employer did not have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical in use:  a)    At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to chemical hazards, in that safety data sheets were not accessible in the workplace for chemicals not limited to propane, oxygen and acetylene, as employees used such chemicals regularly.    Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.1200(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 590524, citation number 1, item number 3c, and was affirmed as a final order on December 12, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jun 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h): Employees were not provided effective information and training as specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1) and -2 on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard was introduced:  a) At the recycling facility in Unadilla, GA: On or about November 12, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer exposed employees to chemical hazards, in that employees were not trained on the hazards of chemicals not limited to propane, oxygen and acetylene, as employees used such chemicals regularly.    Recycling Revolution, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.OSHA inspection number 590524, citation number 1, item number 3d, and was affirmed as a final order on December 12, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 4190 Collins Road, Unadilla, GA 31091.