OSHA Inspection: UNIVERSAL PALLET, INC.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Abate by

Jan 22, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): The employer shall administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this section, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (8-hr TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.    On or about September 15, 2015, in the facility, employees required to perform wood pallet assembly operations were exposed to noise in excess of 85 dBA (8-hour TWA) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.  A continuing, effective hearing conservation program had not been instituted to protect employees against the hazard of hearing loss:    1. An employee operating saw machine(s) was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 100.2 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 409 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.    2. An employee operating a nail gun was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 94.4 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 184 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.    3. An employee operating a nail gun was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 92.8 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 146.5 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.    4. An employee operating saw machine(s) was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time weighted average sound level of 92.8 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 147.1 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.    5. An employee operating saw machine(s) was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time weighted average sound level of 91.5 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 122.9 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure for minutes not sampled.    6. An employee operating a nail gun was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time weighted average sound level of 90.7 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 110.8 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.    7. An employee operating a nail gun was exposed to continuous noise at an 8-hour time weighted average sound level of 90.2 dBA or, equivalently, a dose of 103.8 percent during the approximate 420 minute sampling period.  Zero exposure assumed for minutes not sampled.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Abate by

Dec 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i): The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):    On or about September 1, 2015, in the facility, employees required to operate propane-powered forklift trucks during wood pallet manufacturing operations had not been provided with the required training and evaluation specified in this paragraph.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Abate by

Dec 23, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): The point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefor, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle:    On or about September 1, 2015, in the facility, employees were required to operate the Smart Products 1-Person Pallet Dismantlers on a daily basis.  The horizontal band saw blades on the dismantlers were not guarded.  Employees were thereby exposed to laceration/amputation hazards.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, shall be protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafting completely or by a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting as location requires:    On or about September 1, 2015, in the facility, employees required to operate the resaw machine were exposed to the hazard of an unguarded horizontal power-transmission shaft.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Guarding. Pulleys, any parts of which are seven (7) feet or less from the floor or working platform, shall be guarded in accordance with the standards specified in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section:  On or about September 1, 2015, in the facility, employees required to operate wood cutting machines were exposed to the hazard of ingoing nip points due to unguarded pulley(s):  a. Smart Products 1-Person Pallet Dismantlers: Unguarded blade pulleys. b. Morgan Single-Head Resaw: Unguarded belt pulley. c. No named Chop saw: Unguarded belt pulley

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Where both runs of horizontal belts are seven (7) feet or less from the floor level, the guard shall extend to at least fifteen (15) inches above the belt or to a standard height, except that where both runs of a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt shall be fully enclosed in accordance with paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.  On or about September 1, 2015, in the facility, employees required to operate wood cutting machines were exposed to the hazard of ingoing nip points due to unguarded horizontal belts seven (7) feet or less from the floor level:  a. Morgan Single-Head Resaw: Unguarded horizontal belt . c. No named Chop saw: Unguarded horizontal belt.

Issued

Nov 4, 2015

Abate by

Nov 17, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(1): Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition shall be removed from service. All repairs shall be made by authorized personnel:  On or about September 15, 2015, in the facility, employees required to perform wood pallet manufacturing operated a Toyota propane-powered forklift truck that was emitting approximately 4.0 percent carbon monoxide in exhaust gas.  Inhalation of excessive levels of carbon monoxide can result in headaches, nausea, and chemical anoxia.