OSHA Inspection: AFCO STEEL, LLC

Issued

Feb 3, 2016

Abate by

Feb 23, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $1,275 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer did not conduct an annual or more frequent inspection of the energy control procedure to ensure that the procedure and requirements of this standard were followed:      (a) AFCO Steel, LLC @ 31455 Weld County Road 39 ½ Road, Greeley, Colorado 80631.  On or before, August 8, 2015, as part of the injury/accident prevention responsibilities under its program, the employer did not ensure that an annual or more frequent inspection of the lockout/tagout procedures was conducted to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of the energy control program were being followed to protect employees from unexpected energizing, start-up, or release of stored energy. This condition includes but is not limited to the following: Angle Shear ABL-100 machine.    On August 8, 2015, a machine operator at the Detail Prep Dept. was attempting to replace a bolt in a pneumatic cylinder hold down clamp plate on the ABL-100, Metal Punching Machine. When the operator tapped the hold down clamp plate to align the bolt hole, the cylinder of the hold down clamp retracted to the up position, and the employee's left index finger was pinched between the hold down plates of the machine, resulting in an amputation of the tip, first joint, left index finger.

Issued

Feb 3, 2016

Abate by

Feb 23, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i):  The employer did not provide adequate training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program was understood by employees, and to ensure that employees acquired the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of energy control devices:    (a) AFCO Steel, LLC @ 31455 Weld County 39 ½, Greeley, Colorado 80631.  On or before, August 8, 2015, 2015, as part of the injury/accident prevention responsibilities under its program, the employer did not ensure that adequate training and information was provided so that purpose and function of the energy control program was understood by employees, and to ensure that each employees acquired the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of energy control devices, including but not limited to the following machines or equipment: Angle Shear ABL-100 Machine. This condition exposed employees to the unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored hazardous energy.    On August 8, 2015, an untrained machine operator at the Detail Prep Dept. was attempting to replace a bolt in a pneumatic cylinder hold down clamp plate on the ABL-100, metal punching machine.  When the operator tapped the hold down clamp plate to align the bolt hole, the cylinder of the hold down clamp retracted to the up position, and the employee's left index finger was pinched between the hold down plates of the machine resulting in an amputation of the tip, first joint, left index finger.        Abatement Note:  The training shall include the following:      (1)     Each authorized employee shall 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 and control.      (2)     Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.      (3)     All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized, shall be instructed about the procedure, and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment which are locked out or tagged out.

Issued

Feb 3, 2016

Abate by

Feb 23, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $4,250

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(2): The machine or equipment was not turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment.  An orderly shutdown was not utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.  (a) AFCO Steel, LLC @ 31455 Weld County 39 ½, Greeley, Colorado 80631.  On or before, August 8, 2015, 2015, as part of the injury/accident prevention responsibilities under its program, the employer did not ensure that each hazardous energy contained in the Angle Shear ABL-100 Machine was adequately shut down using the Lockout/Tagout procedures established for the machine or equipment. This condition exposed employees to the unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored hazardous energy.  On August 8, 2015, a machine operator at the Detail Prep Dept. was attempting to replace a bolt in a pneumatic cylinder hold down clamp plate on the ABL-100, metal punching machine. When the operator tapped the hold down clamp plate to align the bolt hole, the cylinder of the hold down retracted to the up position, and the employee's left index finger was pinched between the hold down plates of the machine, resulting in an amputation of the tip, first joint, left index finger.