OSHA Inspection: MEHCO, INC

Issued

Apr 28, 2016

Penalty

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

Hazardous substances 1377

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): 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). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment:     Location: spray painting areas     a.  On or about December 18, 2015, the employer did not perform a hazard assessment for workers who spray hardeners and clear coats that contain hazardous chemicals.  Workers were mixing and spraying Finish 1 hardener contained hexamethylyene diisocyanate (HMDI) and Ultimate Finish 1 clear coat contained acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.  HMDI can come in contact with the skin and cause serious adverse health effects such as: skin sensitization and respiratory asthma.  The clear coat containing acetone and methyl ethyl ketone can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Issued

Apr 28, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1377

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:    Location: mixing room and spray booth    a.  On or about December 18, 2015, workers mixing and spraying Finish 1 hardener contained hexamethylyene diisocyanate (HMDI) and Ultimate Finish 1 clear coat contained acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, which are serious skin sensitizers, a respiratory asthmagen and irritants, were wearing latex gloves that were not impervious to these chemicals.  Suitable chemical resistant type gloves were not provided.

Issued

Apr 28, 2016

Abate by

Jun 15, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2): The employer did not implement a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that was based on objective information or data that would ensure that canisters and cartridges were changed before the end of their service life:  Location: Mixing room and spray room.  a.  On or about January 7, 2016, the employer's respirator cartridge change schedule was not based upon on objective information or data.  Workers used respirators, such as, a power air purifying respirator (PAPR) with chemical cartridges while spraying automobiles with clear coat hardener that contained hexamethylyene diisocyanate (HMDI).