OSHA Inspection: IPP-IMPROVED PIPING PRODUCTS, INC.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3): All energy isolating devices that were needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment were not physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy sources:  On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a caught by hazard from:  (a) CNC area of 5040 Space Center; while using the Haas ST40 CNC lathe #1 to shape parts inside the CNC machine that did not have a working interlock switch on the door to prevent the unexpected startup of the rotating lathe.   (b) CNC area of 5040 Space Center; while using the Haas ST40 CNC lathe #2 to shape parts inside the CNC machine that did not have a working interlock switch on the door to prevent the unexpected startup of the rotating lathe.   (c) CNC area of 5040 Space Center; while using the Haas ST40 CNC lathe #3 to shape parts inside the CNC machine that did not have a working interlock switch on the door to prevent the unexpected startup of the rotating lathe.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,520 Reduced

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:    (a) In the Compression area, 5040 Space Center, north: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a caught in hazard, while using a 500T hydraulic press to compress the pipe mold into plastic parts that did not have a guard on the back section of the press to prevent employees from placing their hands and arms into the press.     (b) In the Compression area, 5040 Space Center, north: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a caught in hazard, while using a 390T hydraulic press to compress the pipe mold into plastic parts that did not have a guard on the back section of the press to prevent employees from placing their hands and arms into the press.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,295 · Current $918 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(b): Machines designed for fixed locations were not securely anchored to prevent walking or moving:    In the maintenance area, east: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to hazards being struck by a falling Westward drill press without being anchored to the floor.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Abate by

Apr 8, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,060 · Current $1,224 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Each outlet box in completed installations did not have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy:     In the compression area, southwest: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an electrical hazard from live electrical conductors while connecting equipment to 120 volt outlet that had a broken cover exposing conductors.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Abate by

Apr 8, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:       (a) In the CNC area, 5040 Space Center, Haas ST40 CNC lathe #1: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an electrical hazard, while using a work table surge protector outlet that was fed from an extension cord routed from an outlet approximately 15 feet from the work table.    (b) In the CNC area, 5040 Space Center, Haas ST40 CNC lathe #2: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an electrical hazard, while using a work table surge protector outlet that was fed from an extension cord routed from an outlet approximately 15 feet from the work table.    (c) In the CNC area, 5040 Space Center, Haas ST40 CNC lathe #3: On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an electrical hazard, while using a work table surge protector outlet that was fed from an extension cord routed from an outlet approximately 15 feet from the work table.

Issued

Apr 4, 2016

Penalty

Initial $18,000 · Current $7,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:  Maintenance Area, 5040 Space Center:  On or about October 22, 2015, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by flying projectiles, while using compressed air at pressures greater than 30 p.s.i. to remove debris and metal shavings from a metal work table.   The Improved Piping Products Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.242(b), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 977722, citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on 09/04/2014, with respect to a workplace located at 4311 Director Drive San Antonio, TX 78219.  The Improved Piping Products Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.242(b), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1036628, citation number 2, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 07/06/2015, with respect to a workplace located at 5040 Space Center Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218.