OSHA Inspection: MERRITT EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Issued

Aug 9, 2016

Abate by

Aug 27, 2016

Penalty

Initial $765 · Current $765

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1)(iii):  The employer did not ensure that employees were able to demonstrate knowledge of how to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions:   (a) Merritt Equipment Company, at 9339 Highway 85, Henderson, CO: On 5/17/16, the employer did not ensure that employees were able to demonstrate knowledge of how to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions.  Employees sprayed Elastomer Specialties Inc GatorHyde (containing methylene bisphenyl isocyanate) onto trailer frames.  Employees were required to wear 3M model 6800 full facepiece supplied air respirators.  The supplied air was provided by a compressor that was not oil-lubricated.  The employer utilized Air Systems International carbon monoxide sensors at two spray booths to monitor the carbon monoxide level in the supplied air.  Each sensor's alarm was located on the exterior of the booth.  The employer had not trained employees on the presence and operation of the carbon monoxide sensors and their alarm systems.  This condition potentially exposed employees to a respiratory hazard.

Issued

Aug 9, 2016

Abate by

Sep 11, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv): Employer did not ensure that there were no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating:  (a) Merritt Equipment Company, at 9339 Highway 85, Henderson, CO: On 5/17/16, the employer did not ensure that there were no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.  Conductors providing electrical power to lighting for the large spray booth were enclosed within armored cable.  An armored cable had come apart in proximity to a junction box, exposing the conductors.  The armored cable was damaged.  This condition potentially exposed employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Aug 9, 2016

Abate by

Sep 11, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not protected from abrasions:  (a) Merritt Equipment Company, at 9339 Highway 85, Henderson, CO: On 5/17/16, the employer did not ensure that conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings were protected from abrasions.  Conductors providing electrical power to lighting for the small spray booth were enclosed within armored cable.  An armored cable had separated from the junction box, exposing the conductors.  The conductors were not protected from abrasion.  This condition potentially exposed employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Aug 9, 2016

Abate by

Aug 27, 2016

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $320

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A):  Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:  (a) Merritt Equipment Company, at 9339 Highway 85, Henderson, CO: On 5/17/16, the employer did not ensure an employee wearing a tight-fitting facepiece did not have facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face.  One employee sprayed Elastomer Specialties Inc GatorHyde (containing methylene bisphenyl isocyanate) onto a trailer frame.  The employee was required to wear a 3M model 6800 full facepiece supplied air respirator.  The employee had significant facial hair between the facepiece and the face. This condition potentially exposed the employee to a respiratory hazard.  Merritt Equipment Company was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard or its equivalent standard, 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection 92190, Citation 1, Item 4 and was issued on October 7, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on October 19, 2011, with respect to a workplace located at 9339 Highway 85, Henderson, CO.