OSHA Inspection: ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Aug 24, 2015

Abate by

Oct 6, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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 from a wood dust fire or explosion hazard:  Ashley Furniture - The Pneumafil dust collection system collected wood dust from equipment and surfaces in the mill department. The exhausted air from the dust collection system was recirculated back into the building and the system did not have a high speed abort gate to prevent burning material from re-entering the plant, on or about April 23, 2015 and continuing to the present.

Issued

Aug 24, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii): Employees were not provided effective information and training on the physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work area;     (a) Ashley Furniture - The employer did not provide effective information and training on the physical hazards of combustible wood dust to employees who work in the mill department and maintenance employees who maintain the dust collection system, on or about April 23, 2015 and continuing to the present.         ABATEMENT NOTE:        Employees shall be informed of the following:      1. The requirements of this section;      2. Any operations where hazardous chemicals are present;      3. The location and availability of the written Hazard Communication Program, list(s) of hazardous chemicals, and Material Safety Data Sheets.          Employee training shall include at least:      1. Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area;      2. The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area;      3. The measures employees can take to protect themselves such as specific procedures and personal protective equipment to be used;      4. The details of the employer's Hazard Communication Program including an explanation of labeling system, Material Safety Data Sheets, and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.