OSHA Inspection: PRIMEX PLASTICS CORP.

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $4,500 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    On or about 3/9/15, at 3435 Old Oakwood Rd, Oakwood, Ga, employees were exposed to being struck by hazards as they were required to use job made lifting devices at production lines 4 and 7 to lift product rolls, weighing 1200-1600 lbs., that have not been tested for load limits, were not marked to identify load limits, and were not being inspected.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,300 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1): Aisles and passageways were not kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.    On 3/9/15, at Plant 2, bolts protruded from the floor 1/2 inches causing a trip hazard in the employee work/walkway Dryer area.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,000 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 toe boards.     On 3/9/2015, at the Oakwood production facility, employees were exposed to various fall hazards including the following:    a  Line 12 Warehouse Grinder Platform 60.6 inch fall  b  Plant 2 - Platform at Dryer 55 inch fall  c  Plant 2 Box Dump Platform 7'7" fall  d  Blending Deck for Lines 1-4  upper rail only 10 foot fall  e  Line 16 Grinder Platform Gap of rails 14 ¼ inches wide  5' 3/8" fall  f  Line 13 Walkway Platforms over line 5' and 6.9' fall (2 platforms)  g  Line 14 @ Main Hauloff - 6'6" fall  various locations on extrusion line platforms  h  Line 15  Line Platforms - 2 count - >5' and >6' falls on outside and to inside of line   i  Blend  Deck 2 - >10' fall - single chain rail  j  Deck 2  Platform behind Loader panel >7' fall  k  Line 14 Coax Platform >5' fall  l  Line 9 & Line 10  7'6" (92") fall  m  Grinding Platform (near Lines 9 and 10 - approximately 6' fall)  n  Line 12 Platform  4' fall  o  Storage area above Maintenance Shop  10' fall  p  Storage area in Warehouse facility 10' fall  single chain rail    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(b): Fixed stairs were not provided for access from one structure level to another where operations necessitated regular travel between levels, and for access to operating platforms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations.    On 3/4/15, in the Grinding room of the production area, employees were not provided stairs so as to access the grinding platform that was 23 inches above floor levels.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $5,500

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, including, but not limited to Items of this section.     On 3/9/15, at the Oakwood facility, the employer did not ensure lockout procedures documented at facility included all energies and magnitudes of energies for equipment serviced/maintained in production.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirement of this standard were being followed.    On 3/9/15, at the Oakwood location, the employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the established written LOTO procedures, including authorized employees, to ensure procedures were adequate and current.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation.    On 3/4/15, at the Oakwood production facility, the employer did not identify and train employees performing service and maintenance work to equipment, including production lines, and grinders.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(B): Affected employees were not instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.  On 3/9/15, at the Oakwood plant, the employer did not ensure training provided for employees identified as being "Affected" employees received training adequate for that purpose.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Oct 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(8): Lockout or tagout was not performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.    On or about 3/9/15, at the Gainesville plant, employees performing Authorized work were not affixing locks to equipment they were servicing/maintaining and instead relied on maintenance employees to apply and remove locks for them.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).    Primex Plastics Corporation was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.147(d)(4)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 984435, citation number 1, item number 7 and was affirmed as a final order on 2/16/2015, with respect to a workplace located at Primex Plastics Corporation dba O'Neil Color and Compounding, 61 River Drive, Garfield NJ 07026.

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.    On 3/4/15, in the production area, employees were exposed to hazards created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, and rotating parts. Instances include:    a - Lines 1-17 shears input side - guard openings at shear at the input side near rollers is 3 1/2 to 7 openings exposing employees to pinch point  b - Product table conveyors at Lines 1-17 exposing employees to ingoing nip points where the belt meets the roller  c - Product conveyors at Lines 1-17 various locations exposing employees to ingoing nip points where the belt meets the roller  d - Enco 111-1858 lathe no chuck guard exposing employees to rotating parts  e - Drill Press - No guard maintenance shop exposing employees to rotating parts    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 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).    On 2/28/15, at the Oakwood facility in Plant 1, the employer did not ensure shears (14 count) were guarded to prevent employees from having their hands in the danger zone during operating cycles.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.216(b)(1): An accessible safety trip control that operated on contact was not provided in front and/or back of each mill. Note: The safety trip control shall be one of the types or a combination thereof as listed in 1910.216(b)(1).    On or about 3/9/15, in the Plant 1 production area at Line 12, the mill platform was located 4.6' above floor levels and greater than 18 inches away from the pull e-stop cord and from employee reach.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF 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

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed part(s) of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform were not protected by stationary casing(s) enclosing shafting completely or by trough(s) enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting.    On 3/9/15, in the production area of Plant 1, rotating horizontal shafts on the Line 16 Melt Pump Drive shaft near the floor were not enclosed completely to prevent contact and injury.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(3): Vertical or inclined shafting seven -7 feet or less from floor or working platform was not enclosed with stationary casing(s).  On 3/9/15, in the production area of Plant 1, rotating vertical shafts were not enclosed completely to prevent contact and injury. Instances include:  a Line 16 Melt Pump Drive shaft  on upper area of motor - vertical shaft exposed - 5" exposure b Line 4 rotating shaft - 4" exposure c Line 12 motor shaft exposed rotating part - 10" exposure  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,300 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Projecting shaft ends did not present a smooth edge and end and shall not project more than one-half the diameter of the shaft unless guarded by nonrotating caps or safety sleeves.    On or about 3/4/15, in the production area at Line 3, the employer did not ensure shaft ends that projected 8 inches in length and had a diameter of 2 inches were encased or covered.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(iv): Electric equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause serious physical harm to employees, such as damaged electrical insulation.    On 3/9/15, in the Plant 1 Production area, hand held lamps were used at the plastic mills and were not protected from heat damage. The outer insulation on cords was melted exposing inner conductors.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Abate by

Sep 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(1)(ii): Portable handlamps supplied through flexible cords were not equipped with a handle of molded composition or other material approved for the purpose and a substantial guard attached to the lampholder or handle.  On 3/9//15, in the production areas of Plant 1, portable hand held lamps were used at the plastic mills and were missing cage guards exposing the bare bulb.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 27, 2015

Penalty

Initial $22,000 · Current $15,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet.    On 3/4/15, at the Gainesville facility, located outside the maintenance area, the employer permitted Oxygen and Acetylene cylinders to be stored within 15' of each other.    No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.    Primex Plastics Corporation was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.212(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 984435, citation number 1, item number 11 and was affirmed as a final order on 2/16/2015, with respect to a workplace located at Primex Plastics Corporation dba O'Neil Color and Compounding, 61 River Drive, Garfield NJ 07026.