OSHA Inspection: CLARION SINTERED METALS, INC.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Feb 15, 2016

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,500 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:    a)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-E-14 Powder metal storage area- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto, the employer failed to provide a place of employment free from the recognized hazard of struck by hazards from storage racks with damaged structural components.  Damaged rack components on the A, B, C, and D powdered metal storage racks  included but were not limited to bent/damaged columns, welded column supports, damaged and ripped/torn diagonal and horizontal beams, damaged footplates, missing anchors.  The racking system was utilized to store items including but not limited to powdered metal storage totes.  The storage racks components were damaged and not taken out of service and repaired.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,000 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:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-E-14 Dip tank in Assembly area- On or about July 9th, 2015 and times prior thereto, the employer failed to provide a place of employment free from the recognized hazard of a struck-by hazard from accidental disengagement of load due to a damaged/malfunctioning safety latch on a hook.  The hook was associated with the 1/2-ton Dayton alloy chain hoist in the E-14 dip tank area of the assembly portion of the building.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1): Every flight of stairs having four or more risers was not equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Pit next to Press #2535 in back room area- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees accessed the pit next to/underneath Press #2535 via a stairway that contained 9 risers.  The stairway did not contain a standard stair rail or handrail for employees who accessed the pit during work operations.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(e)(1): Standard railing(s) did not consist of top rail, intermediate rail and/or posts and/or did not have a vertical height of 42 inches (106.7 cm) nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform runway, or ramp level:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-sizing area between sizing presses #3459 �- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were walking/working next to a pit between sizing presses #3459 and #3460 near the east wall of the sizing department.  The pit was guarded with a standard guardrail.  The top rail height for the standard guard rail system was too low in that it was located approximately 35.5-inches from the floor level.  The condition exposed employees to a fall hazard of approximately 6 feet 8 inches into a pit between sizing presses #3459 and #3460.       b.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853- Back Room Area next to Press #2535- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were walking/working next to a pit next to press #2535 in the back room area of the facility.  The pit was guarded with a standard guardrail.  The top rail height for the standard guard rail system was too low in that it ranged in height from 32 to 36.5 inches from the floor level.  The condition exposed employees to a fall hazard of approximately 7 feet 4 inches into the pit next to press #2535.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(B): Unless a physician determines that the standard threshold shift is not work-related or aggravated by occupational noise exposure, the employer did not ensure, when a standard threshold shift occurs, that for employees already using hearing protectors, employees be refitted and retrained in the use of hearing protectors and provided with hearing protectors offering greater attenuation if necessary:       a.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Sintering oven area-On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  The employer did not institute a continuing effective hearing conservation program when employee noise exposures exceeded an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, in that employees who experienced STS (Standard Threshold Shifts) were not refitted and retrained on the use of hearing protectors.  Additionally, the employer did not determine if the employee required hearing protection with a greater attenuation.  An employee in the sintering oven department performing loading/unloading operations of metal parts was exposed to noise at a level of 99.23 % of the allowable limit during a 440 minute sampling period on May21, 2015; exposure calculation included a zero increment for the 40 minutes not sampled.  This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 89.9 dbA for the dose and time of the employee exposure.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(k)(2): The training program was not repeated annually for each employee included in the hearing conservation program:       a.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Sizing department-On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  The employer did ensure employees annual participation in a Hearing conservation training program for all employees who were exposed to noise that exceeded an 8 hour time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA.  An employee in the sizing department performing sizing operations of metal parts was exposed to noise at a level of 117.1% of the allowable limit during a 447 minute sampling period on May 21, 2015; exposure calculation included a zero increment for the 33 minutes not sampled.  This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 91.1 dbA for the dose and time of the employee exposure.   b.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-oven department-On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  The employer did ensure employees annual participation in a Hearing conservation training program for all employees who were exposed to noise that exceeded an 8 hour time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA.  An employee in the sintering oven department performing loading/unloading operations of metal parts was exposed to noise at a level of 99.23 % of the allowable limit during a 440 minute sampling period on May 21, 2015; exposure calculation included a zero increment for the 40 minutes not sampled.  This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 89.9 dbA for the dose and time of the employee exposure.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes:    a)       Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Production areas throughout facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were potentially exposed to skin irritation hazards while handling materials including but not limited to powdered metals.  Employees handling these materials were not utilizing hand protection.      b)       Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Production areas throughout facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were potentially exposed to skin irritation hazards while handling materials including but not limited to HOP E-14 solvent.  Employees handling these materials were not utilizing appropriate hand protection.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):           a)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Production areas throughout facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were potentially exposed to skin irritation hazards while handling materials including but not limited to powdered metals, and HOP E-14 solvent.  The employers hazard assessment did not identify the need for the use of appropriate hand protection while handling the powdered metals or E-14 solvent.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1): The employer did not provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use personal protective equipment:          a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Production areas throughout facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Employees were periodically exposed to hazards including but not limited to chemical exposure hazards to the hands from exposure to materials including but not limited to powdered metals, and E-14 solvent.  Employees were not provided with personal protective equipment training on protective gloves.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Mar 1, 2016

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1): The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces were permit-required confined spaces:       a.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Pit areas next to/underneath presses throughout the facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:   Employees periodically entered into press pits in order to perform work operations including, but not limited to, servicing/maintenance operations to press components.  The press pits contained or potentially contained hazards including but not limited to, hazardous atmosphere, moving machine parts, slips, trips, falls, overhead hazards, and heat stress.  The employer did not identify the press pits as permit required confined spaces.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Mar 1, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): When the employer decided that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space entry program that complied with 29 CFR 1910.146:         a.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Pit areas next to/underneath presses throughout the facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:   Employees periodically entered into press pits in order to perform work operations including, but not limited to, servicing/maintenance operations to press components.  The press pits contained or potentially contained hazards including but not limited to, hazardous atmosphere, moving machine parts, slips, trips, falls, overhead hazards, and heat stress.  The employer had not developed a written program for permit-required confined space entry.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Mar 1, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): The employer did not 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:       a.)                Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Pit areas next to/underneath presses throughout the facility- on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:   Employees periodically entered into press pits in order to perform work operations including, but not limited to, servicing/maintenance operations to press components.  The press pits contained or potentially contained hazards including but not limited to, hazardous atmosphere, moving machine parts, slips, trips, falls, overhead hazards, and heat stress.  Permit-required confined spaces including, but not limited to, Press pits, were not labeled to indicate the existence, location of, and danger posed by the permit spaces.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(d): Sling(s) and fastenings were not inspected each day or during use and were not removed from service when damaged or defective:      a)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Maintenance shop-on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Two synthetic web slings (no identifiable marks) displayed signs of damage on areas including but not limited to the eyelet and "body" of the slings.  The synthetic web slings were utilized for hoisting/lifting activities with the Yale 1 ton hoist.  Employees performed activities including but not limited to lifting die plates with the synthetic slings.  The synthetic web slings were not inspected for prior to use for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer.  Additionally, the two synthetic web slings were damaged and defective and not immediately removed from service.        b)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Maintenance shop-on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  An alloy steel chain (no identifiable marks) was utilized by employees as a sling in order to hoist material including but not limited to motors, and die sets.  The alloy steel chain was utilized for lifting activities with the Yale 1 ton hoist and 15 ton crane.   The alloy steel chain sling was not inspected for damage prior to use for defects by a competent person designated by the employer.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(e)(1): Alloy steel sling(s) did not have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach:           a)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Maintenance shop-on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  An alloy steel chain (no identifiable marks) was utilized by employees as a sling in order to hoist material including, but not limited to, motors, and die sets.  The alloy steel chain was utilized for lifting activities with the Yale 1 ton hoist and 15 ton crane.  The alloy steel chain did not have a permanently affixed identification to identify the size, grade, rate capacity, or reach.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)(ii): Records of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected were not available for examination:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Maintenance shop-on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  An alloy steel chain (no identifiable marks) was utilized by employees as a sling in order to hoist material including, but not limited to, motors, and die sets.  The alloy steel chain was utilized for lifting activities with the Yale 1 ton hoist and 15 ton crane.  The employer did not maintain an inspection record for the alloy steel chain sling.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(i)(1): Synthetic web sling(s) were not marked or coded to show rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material:     a)      Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Maintenance shop-on or about May 21, 2015, and times prior thereto:  Two synthetic web slings (no identifiable marks) were utilized for hoisting/lifting activities with the Yale 1 ton hoist.  The synthetic web slings were not marked or coded to show the rating capacity for each type of hitch nor the type of synthetic web material.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Bench/hoist area of maintenance shop west wall-On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  A Dewalt pedestal bench grinder (serial # 2012  02-YL66064) tongue guard was greater than 1/4 inch from the abrasive wheel on the right side of the grinder.  The opening for the tongue guard was approximately 1 inch from the abrasive wheel.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $6,000 · Current $5,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Plant Wide- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto: Employees worked with and around hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to, powdered metals, (HOP) E-14, Liquid Propane, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Natural Gas.  The employer did not provide employees with information and training on the hazards of the hazardous chemicals in their work areas.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(iv):   The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, did not include an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employee could obtain and use the appropriate hazard information:         a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Plant Wide- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto: Employees worked with and around hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to,  powdered metals, (HOP) E-14, Liquid Propane, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Natural Gas.  Employees hired after November 2013 did not receive training on the new labeling elements and safety data sheet format noted in CFR 1910.1200 (j)(1) of the Hazard Communication 2012 Standard.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Abate by

Dec 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3)(i): Places of employment were not kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allowed:       a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Microwave (Kenmore brand) next to filing cabinet in Maintenance department-On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  A cleaning schedule for the microwave in the Maintenance department was not established to keep the unit clean and free from potential chemical hazards.  Wipe samples were obtained from the microwave next to the filing cabinet in the maintenance department of the facility.  Analytical results indicated the presence of toxic metals, as follows:       1.)    Microwave next to filing cabinet in Maintenance department:  4.0038 ug Copper; 3.3769 ug Manganese; 145.94 ug Iron Oxide.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(4): The employer did not make the written hazard communication program available upon request to the employees or their designated representatives in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(e):    a.) Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Plant Wide- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto: Employees worked with and around hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to;  powdered metals, (HOP) E-14, Liquid Propane, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Natural Gas.  The employer's hazard communication program was not available and could not be provided upon request.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:    a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Next to Press #2522 in the Back room area of facility- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  An approximately 32 spray bottle containing Mobil Trans HD 10W oil was not labeled to identify the chemical (s) contained within the container.   b.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Back room area of facility- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  An approximately 32 spray bottle containing Simple Green was not labeled to identify the chemical (s) contained within the container.

Issued

Nov 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings:    a.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Next to Press #2522 in the Back room area of facility- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  An approximately 32 spray bottle containing Mobil Trans HD 10W oil was not labeled to identify the hazard warnings of the chemical(s) contained within the container.   b.)    Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc., 3472 Montmorenci Rd, Ridgway, Pa 15853-Back room area of facility- On or about May 21st, 2015 and times prior thereto:  An approximately 32 spray bottle containing Simple Green was not labeled to identify the hazard warnings of the chemical(s) contained within the container.