OSHA Inspection: STEPAN COMPANY

Issued

2016-11-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5111.00 · Current $4191.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees exposed to acid burns:    (a)   On or about October 23, 2016, at the Sulfuric Acid Scrubber Area, an employee was required to drain sulfuric acid from the Sulfonation II Mist Eliminator while observing the tanks liquid level at a sight glass containing sulfuric acid. The sight glass broke, spraying sulfuric acid into the face, body and ear of the employee.          In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2016-11-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3067.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

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, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:      a)   On or about October 23, 2016, at the Sulfuric Acid Scrubber Area, an employee was required to drain sulfuric acid from the Sulfonation II Mist Eliminator while observing the tanks liquid level at a sight glass containing sulfuric acid. The sight glass broke, spraying sulfuric acid into the face, body and ear of the employee. The employee was wearing goggles, but was not wearing a face shield and body protection.        In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2016-11-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4088.00 · Current $4088.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:    (a)   On or about October 23, 2016, at the Sulfuric Acid Scrubber Area, an employee was required to drain sulfuric acid from the Sulfonation II Mist Eliminator while observing the tanks liquid level at a sight glass containing sulfuric acid. The sight glass broke, spraying sulfuric acid into the face, body and ear of the employee. A sulfuric acid pipe installed between the sulfuric acid draining point and the exit prevented the employee from having an unobstructed path to the nearest exit. This pipe caused a tripping hazard when the employee needed to reach the nearest eyewash and shower during an emergency situation.        In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

2016-11-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4089.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

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)   On or about October 23, 2016, at the Sulfuric Acid Scrubber Area, an employee draining sulfuric acid from a mist eliminator vessel was sprayed in the face, body and right ear when a sight glass containing sulfuric acid broke while the employee was observing the tanks liquid level. Immediate emergency use of the nearby eyewash and shower was not available due to the installation of a sulfuric acid pipe installed between the acid drain point and the eyewash and shower.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).