OSHA Inspection: ELITE COATINGS, INC.

Issued

Sep 25, 2015

Abate by

Nov 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $1,190 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.94(a)(2)(ii): The concentration of respirable dust or fume in the breathing zone of the abrasive-blasting operator or any other worker shall be kept below the levels specified in 1910.1000:  a.  In the blasting area, an employee was exposed to Silica, Crystalline Quartz (Respirable Fraction) at a level of 0.76 mg/M3 as an 8-hour TWA on August 14, 2015, approximately 4.3 times the PEL of 0.175 mg/M3 which is above the allowable limit listed in the 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-3 table.  This exposure was determined by air sampling over 280 minutes during one shift, with zero exposure being assumed for the unsampled 200 minutes of an 8-hour work shift.

Issued

Sep 25, 2015

Abate by

Nov 1, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(c): An employee was exposed to Crystalline silica in excess of the 8-hour time weighted average limits of 0.175 mg/M3 listed in Table Z-3:  a.  In the blasting area, an employee was exposed to Silica, Crystalline Quartz (Respirable Fraction) at a level of 0.76 mg/M3 as an 8-hour TWA on August 14, 2015, approximately 4.3 times the PEL of 0.175 mg/M3.  This exposure was determined by air sampling over 280 minutes during one shift, with zero exposure being assumed for the unsampled 200 minutes of an 8-hour work shift.

Issued

Sep 25, 2015

Abate by

Nov 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): To achieve compliance with paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, administrative or engineering controls must first be determined and implemented whenever feasible. When such controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment or any other protective measures shall be used to keep the exposure of employees to air contaminants within the limits prescribed in this section. Any equipment and/or technical measures used for this purpose must be approved for each particular use by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified person. Whenever respirators are used, their use shall comply with 1910.134.  a.  The employer did not ensure feasible engineering controls were utilized for an employee in the blasting area, that was exposed to Silica, Crystalline Quartz (Respirable Fraction) at a level of 0.76 mg/M3 as an 8-hour TWA on August 14, 2015, approximately 4.3 times the PEL of 0.175 mg/M3.  This exposure was determined by air sampling over 280 minutes during one shift, with zero exposure being assumed for the unsampled 200 minutes of an 8-hour work shift.       Engineering controls include, but are not limited to the following:                  1.  Prohibit silica sand (or other substances containing more than 1% crystalline silica) as an abrasive blasting material              and substitute less hazardous materials.          2.  Use containment methods such as blast-cleaning machines and cabinets to control the hazard and protect              adjacent workers from exposure.          3.  Practice good personal hygiene to avoid unnecessary exposure to silica dust.          4.  Wear washable or disposable protective clothes at the worksite; shower and change into clean clothes before              leaving the worksite to prevent contamination of cars, homes, and other work areas.

Issued

Sep 25, 2015

Abate by

Nov 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(iii): Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and filters to further ensure breathing air quality. Sorbent beds and filters shall be maintained and replaced or refurbished periodically following the manufacturer's instructions.  a.  The Clemco Industries Corporation CPF Air Filter which is used to maintain Grade D air had not been changed since November 5, 2013, which is outside of the manufacturer's recommended three month limit.