OSHA Inspection: SS INDUSTRIES, LLC

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6338.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(1): When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceed the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:    a) SS Industries - Grinding Area - A Grinder Operator using handheld electric grinders to clean steel was exposed to continuous noise at 151.6% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 93.0 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 425 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 55 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not develop and implement a representative monitoring program for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.     b) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A CNC Woodworking Machine Operator operating the CNC woodworking table was exposed to continuous noise at 86.4 % of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.9 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 438 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 42 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not develop and implement a representative monitoring program for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.    c) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A Wood Shop Supervisor who operates various pieces of woodworking equipment while supervising was exposed to continuous noise at 78.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.2 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 436 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 44 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not develop and implement a representative monitoring program for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.     Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1): The employer did not establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided by 29 CFR 1910.95(g) by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels:  a) SS Industries - Grinding Area - A Grinder Operator using handheld electric grinders to clean steel was exposed to continuous noise at 151.6% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 93.0 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 425 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 55 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide audiometric testing for an employee exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.   b) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A CNC Woodworking Machine Operator operating the CNC woodworking table was exposed to continuous noise at 86.4 % of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.9 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 438 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 42 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide audiometric testing for an employee exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.   c) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A Wood Shop Supervisor who operates various pieces of woodworking equipment while supervising was exposed to continuous noise at 78.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.2 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 436 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 44 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide audiometric testing for an employee exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.   Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1): The employer did not train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.95(k). The employer did not institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program:  a) SS Industries - Grinding Area - A Grinder Operator using handheld electric grinders to clean steel was exposed to continuous noise at 151.6% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 93.0 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 425 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 55 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not institute a training program for employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.   b) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A CNC Woodworking Machine Operator operating the CNC woodworking table was exposed to continuous noise at 86.4 % of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.9 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 438 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 42 minutes not sampled. The employer did not institute a training program for employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.    c) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A Wood Shop Supervisor who operates various pieces of woodworking equipment while supervising was exposed to continuous noise at 78.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.2 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 436 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 44 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not institute a training program for employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about November 9, 2016.   Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6338.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A): The employer did not ensure that hearing protectors are worn by any employee who is exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater and has not yet had a baseline audiogram established pursuant to 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(ii):    a) SS Industries - Grinding Area - A Grinder Operator using handheld electric grinders to clean steel was exposed to continuous noise at 151.6% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 93.0 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 425 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 55 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not require the use of hearing protection for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA who had been working at the plant for more than six months and who had not been provided audiometric testing, on or about November 9, 2016.     b) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A CNC Woodworking Machine Operator operating the CNC woodworking table was exposed to continuous noise at 86.4 % of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.9 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 438 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 42 minutes not sampled. The employer did not require the use of hearing protection for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA who had been working at the plant for more than six months and who had not been provided audiometric testing, on or about November 9, 2016.         c) SS Industries - Woodworking Area - A Wood Shop Supervisor who operates various pieces of woodworking equipment while supervising was exposed to continuous noise at 78.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average of 88.2 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 436 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 44 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not require the use of hearing protection for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA who had been working at the plant for more than six months and who had not been provided audiometric testing, on or about November 9, 2016.     Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5070.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 14602085

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, was not provided as necessary by reason of chemical hazards encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through physical contact:    a) SS Industries - On or about October 20, 2016, an employee pouring concentrated Brightener, a corrosive, into 5 gallon buckets for cleaning metal handrails, was exposed to chemical burns to the head, arms, torso, and legs.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1): The employer did not provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use personal protective equipment:    a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, employees performing work activities such as welding and use of corrosives, that require protection to the eyes, face, and other bodily extremities were not provided training on what personal protective equipment was necessary to protect them during this work, nor on how to properly use the equipment.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7605.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 14602085

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, acids, or potentially injurious light radiation:     a) SS Industries - On or about October 20, 2016, an employee pouring concentrated Brightener, a corrosive, into 5 gallon buckets for cleaning metal handrails, was exposed to chemical burns to the face and eyes.    b) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee tack welding was exposed to eye injuries from flying sparks and ultraviolet radiation.     c) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, employees were exposed to injuries to the face and eyes while using handheld grinders and disc sanders on metal parts.      d) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee, operating the Ajan plasma cutting table was exposed to eye injuries from flying sparks and ultraviolet radiation.     Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6338.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): The employer did not establish a program consisting of an energy control procedures, employee training , and periodic inspections, to ensure that before any employee performed any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment would be isolated, and rendered inoperative in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4):    a)  SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee of the weld shop was changing out the saw blade on a Hyd-Mech horizontal band saw and while doing so had the protective guards  in the open position exposing the drive pulleys and saw blade.  The employer did not have an established energy control program to ensure that the machine could not unexpectedly energize, exposing the employee to amputation hazards.     Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5070.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 14602085

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:    a) SS Industries - On or about October 20, 2016, an employee pouring concentrated Brightener, a corrosive, into 5 gallon buckets for cleaning metal handrails, was exposed to chemical burns to the eyes and body and the employer did not have suitable equipment to provide for quick drenching or flushing of eyes and body.     No abatement certification or documentation required.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3802.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1): An educational program was not provided for all employees to familiarize them with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.    a) SS Industries - On or about October 20, 2016, employees who perform welding and woodworking, were provided fire extinguishers in their departments to use during incipient stage fire fighting, and the employer did not provide an educational program as required.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.    ABATEMENT NOTE: By this date the employer must either correct the alleged violation or implement a Fire Safety Policy, as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and (b) which included the evacuation requirement of 29 CFR 1910.157(b).

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8873.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a): One or more methods of machine guarding were not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by ingoing nip points at the point of operation:    a)  SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, an employees operating a power driven pipe bender was exposed to amputation hazards created by ingoing nip points where the power drive and guide rollers meet the metal pipe.    Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(1): Abrasive wheel(s) used on grinding machinery were not used with safety guard(s)  (a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2106, an employee operating a center-less grinder for grinding metal pipe was exposed to hand injuries created by ingoing nip points wheel the power driven roller and sanding roller meet the pipe.  Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Abatement documentations hall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6338.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(d)(1): Circular handfed crosscut table saw(s) were not guarded by an automatically adjusting hood which completely enclosed that portion of the saw above the table and above the material being cut:     a) SS Industries - On or about November 9, 2016, an employee cutting wood for spiral staircases was using a circular handfed crosscut table saw that was not guarded by an automatic adjusting hood that completely enclosed the portion of the saw above the table, exposing the employee to severe laceration and amputation hazards.     Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5387.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(i)(1): Non-working portion(s) of the blade of bandsaw(s) were not enclosed or guarded:    a)  SS Industries - On or about Nov. 1, 2016, employees using a Resaw Master vertical bandsaw to cut wood were exposed to approximately 4 inches of an unguarded portion of the blade below the cutting deck, exposing employees to amputation hazards.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3802.00 · Current $2500.00 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.:    a) SS Industries - Powder Coat Dept - On or about October 20, 2016, a Powder Coat employee was exposed to flying particles and other compressed air hazards during the use of air nozzles for cleaning their protective clothing as well as the interior walls of the powder coat booth at approximately 70 p.si.  The pressure was not reduced as required.      Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-14 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5070.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1): Abrasive wheel(s) were used on portable grinder(s) which were not provided with safety guard(s) meeting the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1) through (c)(4)    a) SS Industries - On or about November 9, 2016, an employee was exposed to deep laceration injuries to the hands and forearms, while using a Metabo handheld electric grinder fitted with a 7 inch cutoff disc without the guard in place.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3802.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:      1)  SS Industries - Weld Booth #1 - On or about November 1, 2016, two relocatable power taps were connected in series by an extension cord to power multiple industrial tools, such as but not limited to, a 36 inch floor fan, handheld grinder(s), and a 5 foot long overhead fluorescent light ballast, which were not used in accordance with the UL listing or labeling, exposing workers to shock and electrical burns.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5070.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not protected from abrasions:    a) SS Industries - Weld booth #5 - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee was operating a portable to 220/480 Volt welding unit which had the power cord entering a disconnect box through an oversized knockout and wired directly to the terminals. The power cord did not have strain relief, nor any abrasion resistant covering on the power cord where it entered the knockout of the disconnect box, exposing the employees to shock and burns.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:  a) SS Industries - Weld Booth #1 - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee was operating a portable 220/480 Volt portable welding unit which had the power cord entering a disconnect box and wired directly to the terminals. The power cord did not have strain relief where it entered the knockout of the disconnect box, exposing the employees to shock and burns.  b) SS Industries - Weld Booth #9 - On or about November 1, 2016, an employee was operating a portable 220/480 Volt portable welding unit which had a plug in power cord, and the cord did not have strain relief where it entered the plug, exposing the employees to shock and burns.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3802.00 · Current $2500.00 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) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a flexible extension cord was used to power two fixed halogen light fixtures that were being used to illuminate the inside of the powder coat oven, exposing employees to shock and fire/electrical burns.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2023-10-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3802.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (total dust) listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration of 15 mg per cubic meter for that contaminant:    a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Powder Coater, while powder coating metal in the powder coat booth was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an eight hour time weighted average of 60 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 4.03 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg per cubic meter of air. This exposure occurred over a 455 minute sampling period. A zero exposure was assumed for the 25 minutes not sampled.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement..

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2023-10-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):  a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Powder Coater, while powder coating metal in the powder coat booth, was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an eight hour time weighted average of 60 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 4.03 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg per cubic meter of air. This exposure occurred over a 455 minute sampling period. A zero exposure was assumed for the 25 minutes not sampled.  Feasible controls were not implemented.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Feasible abatement methods include but are not limited to: 1) Improve or redesign the physical structure and/or ventilation draw of the booth to increase CFM and capture velocity.  Enclosing sides of booth where product enters on conveyor and closing off other gaps or openings in booth walls/ceiling should increase capture velocity. 2) Enable the product to be turned on a swivel so the Powder Coater does not have to place himself between the product and ventilation flow.  This will prevent the powder coat dust from traveling back into the employee's breathing zone, essentially keeping the employee "upwind".  3) Administratively reduce time employees work at task with high exposure.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 052724409135T405

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): A written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented for required respirator use:(  a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Powder Coater, while powder coating metal in the powder coat booth was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an eight hour time weighted average of 60 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 4.03 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg per cubic meter of air. This exposure occurred over a 455 minute sampling period. A zero exposure was assumed for the 25 minutes not sampled. The employer did not establish nor implement a worksite specific respiratory protection program as required.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 052724409135T405

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee was required or permitted to use an elastomeric respirator in the workplace:   a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Powder Coater, while powder coating metal in the powder coat booth was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an eight hour time weighted average of 60 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 4.03 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg per cubic meter of air. This exposure occurred over a 455 minute sampling period. A zero exposure was assumed for the 25 minutes not sampled.  Employee required to wear respirator due to exposure was not provided a medical examination prior to using the respirator as required.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Note:  The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required for permitted to use an elastomeric respirator.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-09 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(1): The employer did not ensure that employee(s) required to use a tight-fitting facepiece respirator passed the appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT):  a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Powder Coater, while powder coating metal in the powder coat booth was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an eight hour time weighted average of 60 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 4.03 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg per cubic meter of air. This exposure occurred over a 455 minute sampling period. A zero exposure was assumed for the 25 minutes not sampled.  Employee required to wear respirator due to exposure was not provided a respirator fit test.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 052724409135T405

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k): The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable, and effective training to employees who were permitted to use elastomeric respirators.   a) SS Industries - On or about October 20, 2016, a Powder Coater was required to wear a full-face elastomeric respirator to protect them from inhalation and skin hazards of powder coatings.  The employer did not provide effective training on the required training elements of this section.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-06-07 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6338.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (total dust) inTable Z-1 in excess of the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration of 15 mg per cubic meter for that contaminant:    a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Woodworker, while using handheld electric Woodworking tools was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an 8 hour time weighted average exposure of 18 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 1.19 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure occurred over a 405 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 75 minutes not sampled.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement..

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-06-07 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135W103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):  a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Woodworker, while using handheld electric Woodworking tools was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an 8 hour time weighted average exposure of 18 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 1.19 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure occurred over a 405 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 75 minutes not sampled.   The employer did not determine or implement feasible administrative or engineering controls to achieve compliance with the PEL.    Feasible means of abatement include but are not limited to:  1.  Attach local exhaust ventilation to handheld electric hand tools, such as the setup that currently exists for the handheld sander at the work bench in the center of the shop.  2.  If local exhaust ventilation is not feasible on all electric hand tools, employees in this area could be rotated to other areas of the Wood Shop to limit the exposure time working on the handrails to no more than 4-5 hours.

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 91359210W103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2): A respirator was not provided by the employer to each employee when such equipment was necessary to protect the health of the employee:  a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, a Woodworker, while using handheld electric Woodworking tools was exposed to Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR-total dust) at an 8 hour time weighted average exposure of 18 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure is 1.19 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 milligrams per cubic meter of air.  This exposure occurred over a 405 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 75 minutes not sampled. The employee was not provided and required to use a respirator.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement..

Issued

2017-02-02 00:00:00

Abate by

2017-03-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7605.00 · Current $2500.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0731152022609210W103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:    a) SS Industries - On or about November 1, 2016, employees were exposed to iron oxide, copper fume, corrosive acids and wood dusts while performing work activities such as welding , chemical treatment of metal, and woodworking.  The employer did not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area.      Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.