OSHA Inspection: SYNCROFLO, INC.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Abate by

Aug 3, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:  On or about 1/23/2017 at 2905 Pacific Drive Norcross, GA, the employer failed to create and implement specific  procedures for equipment including but not limited to overhead cranes for activities including but not limited to controlling energy sources during rail preparations for transition from inside to outside of the building where the tracks needed to be physically manipulated by-hand while in close proximity to the electrified rails.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Abate by

Jul 21, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(d): Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments were not being inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer:  On or about 1/23/2017, throughout the facility, employees performing lifting operations were exposed to potential struck-by hazards where slings were not inspected daily by a competent person:  a. Nylon "Endless sling" located in metal preparation area had visible red threads. LiftAll Type EN60X, 6-foot, S/N 1732037-46. b. Nylon "Endless sling" located at sling storage area had visible red threads. LiftAll Type EN240, 15-foot, S/N 492217-1. c. Nylon 11-foot, 4-legged, LiftAll web sling, Type 60SEE2-802T, S/N 119552-1 located in layout area was available for use for 1-week. It was identified as damaged where there were exposed inner core strands at the hooks. The sling was placed onto the hook over a new sling signifying its use. d. Nylon "Endless sling" located in the horizontal band saw area had visible core and red threads showing.  LiftAll, 6-foot, Type EN60, S/N 1732037-1-46. e. Nylon "Endless sling" located at the sling storage area had visible core and red threads. LiftAll, Type EN240, S/N 492217- 1. f. Nylon sling 2-legged, Type DOSEE1-831T, S/N 1727773-1-2 located in the weld shop area had exposed core threads at stiffener. Additionally, both hooks were missing the safety latches. g. Nylon "Endless sling" LiftAll, 15-foot, Type EN240, S/N 284392-3 located in the sling storage area had visible welding burn holes in it.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Abate by

Jul 21, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(d): Sling(s) were not immediately removed from service when damaged or defective:  On or about 1/23/2017, throughout the facility, employees performing lifting operations of equipment including but not limited to skids were exposed to potential struck-by hazards where nylon slings were not removed from service that had visible damage including but not limited to:  a. Nylon "Endless sling" located in metal preparation area had visible red threads. LiftAll Type EN60X, 6-foot, S/N 1732037-46. b. Nylon "Endless sling" located at sling storage area had visible red threads. LiftAll Type EN240, 15-foot, S/N 492217-1. c. Nylon 11-foot, 4-legged, LiftAll web sling, Type 60SEE2-802T, S/N 119552-1 located in layout area was available for use for 1-week. It was identified as damaged where there were exposed inner core strands at the hooks. The sling was placed onto the hook over a new sling signifying its use. d. Nylon "Endless sling" located in the horizontal band saw area had visible core and red threads showing.  LiftAll, 6-foot, Type EN60, S/N 1732037-1-46. e. Nylon "Endless sling" located at the sling storage area had visible core and red threads. LiftAll, Type EN240, S/N 492217- 1. f. Nylon sling 2-legged, Type DOSEE1-831T, S/N 1727773-1-2 located in the weld shop area had exposed core threads at stiffener. Additionally, both hooks were missing the safety latches. g. Nylon "Endless sling" LiftAll, 15-foot, Type EN240, S/N 284392-3 located in the sling storage area had visible welding burn holes in it.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 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:  a. On or about 1/23/2017, in the Metal preparation area, an employee was exposed to amputation hazards while performing metal cutting operations of 7-inch pipe with the Cosen SH-330BR horizontal band saw where unused portions of the band saw blade were not guarded. Also the adjustable holders were not adjusted to the material being cut.   b. On or about 1/23/2017, in the Metal preparation area, an employee was exposed to amputation hazards while performing metal cutting operations of 10 1/2-inch metal stock with the Cosen SH-500M horizontal band saw where unused portions of the band saw blade were not guarded allowing 7-inches exposed blade to outside of adjustment arm to bow, and 4 1/2-inches exposed blade between inside adjustable arm and frame.   c. On or about 1/23/2017, in the Tubing and wiring area, employees were exposed to amputation hazards while cutting 1-inch conduit where the Central machinery model 62377, S/N 366851624 where unused portions of the band saw blade were not guarded allowing 2 1/2-inches and 2 3/4-inches of exposed blade.  d. On or about 1/26/2017, at the Edwards, Model 50 Ton iron worker, employees were exposed to amputation hazards where the angle iron cutter, rear guard was missing.  e. On or about 1/26/2017, at the Edwards, Model 50 Ton iron worker, employees were exposed to amputation hazards where the punch guard was removed.  f. On or about 1/27/2017, at the Monarch Machine Tool, Model 120K lathe, S/N 1943, where an operator was observed as exposed to struck-by injuries where the chuck guard was not being used during cutting operations.  g. On or about 1/23/2017, at the AGS Groover, an operator was observed exposed to caught-in hazards where the foot pedal actuator was not guarded allowing for accidental activation of the equipment.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 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):  29 CFR 1910.243(c)(4): The angular exposure on the grinding wheel periphery and sides for safety guard(s) used on portable grinding machine(s) exceeded 180 degrees:  On or about 1/23/2017 throughout the facility, employees performing grinding operations on equipment including but not limited to the skids were exposed to amputation hazards where the guards are not installed on:  a. Metabo 4 1/2-inch hand grinder s/n 0026742094030 at bay 3 b. Metabo 4 1/2-inch hand grinder s/n illegible at bay 8 c. Metabo 4 1/2-inch hand grinder s/n illegible at bay 10 d. Metabo 4 1/2-inch cutting wheel s/n 4070027979 at bay 3 e. DeWalt 5 1/4-inch cutting wheel  s/n 675295 at bay 3 f. Metabo 4 1/2-inch cutting wheel s/n illegible at bay 5 g. Metabo 4 1/2-inch cutting wheel s/n illegible at bay 10

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:  a. On or about 1/23/2017 in welding bay #3 employees performing grinding operations with the Skil bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left work rest was not installed leaving approximately 3/4-inch gap between the housing and the rotating stone.  b. On or about 1/23/2017 in welding bay #3 employees performing grinding operations with the Skil bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right work rest was not installed leaving approximately 3/4-inch gap between the housing and the rotating stone.  c. On or about 1/25/2017 in front of welding bay #6 employees performing grinding operations with the JET 6-inch bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left bench rest was not adjusted leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the work rest and the rotating stone.  d. On or about 1/25/2017 in front of welding bay #6 employees performing grinding operations with the JET 6-inch bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right bench rest was not adjusted leaving a 1 1/4-inch gap between the work rest and the rotating stone.  e. On or about 1/27/2017 at the Monarch Machine Tool lathe model 12CK, S/N 1943 employees performing grinding operations with the Baldor bench grinder on materials including but not limited to cutters, were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left bench rest was not adjusted leaving a 3/4-inch gap between the work rest and the rotating stone.  f. On or about 1/27/2017 at the Monarch Machine Tool lathe model 12CK, S/N 1943 employees performing grinding operations with the Baldor bench grinder on materials including but not limited to cutters, were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right bench rest was not adjusted leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the work rest and the rotating stone.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:  a. On or about 1/23/2017 in welding bay #3 employees performing grinding operations with the Skil bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 1-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.  b. On or about 1/23/2017 in welding bay #3 employees performing grinding operations with the Skil bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.  c. On or about 1/25/2017 in front of welding bay #6 employees performing grinding operations with the JET 6-inch bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.  d. On or about 1/25/2017 in front of welding bay #6 employees performing grinding operations with the JET 6-inch bench grinder on materials including but not limited to tungsten welding tips were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 1 1/4-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.  e. On or about 1/27/2017 at the Monarch Machine Tool lathe model 12CK, S/N 1943 employees performing grinding operations with the Baldor bench grinder on materials including but not limited to cutters, were exposed to struck-by hazards where the left tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 3/4-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.  f. On or about 1/27/2017 at the Monarch Machine Tool lathe model 12CK, S/N 1943 employees performing grinding operations with the Baldor bench grinder on materials including but not limited to cutters, were exposed to struck-by hazards where the right tongue guard was not adjusted leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the tongue and the rotating stone.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 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.:  On or about 1/23/2017 employees were exposed to struck-by and embolism hazards where compressed air used for cleaning of personnel and equipment was not reduced to 30 P.S.I. The plant air was set to 122 P.S.I. at areas including but not limited to:  a. at the lathe to clean metal chips output was measured at above 100 P.S.I.  b. in shipping to clean sawdust, water and metal shavings output was measured at above 100 P.S.I.  c. in welding to clean dust, metal, and sand output was measured at above 100 P.S.I. d. in painting to clean degreaser output was measured at above 100 P.S.I. e. at test bed for blowing off water output was measured at 85 P.S.I.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $3,802 · Current $2,281 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  a. On or about 1/23/2017 at welding bay 3, employees utilizing the 208 V / 120 V electrical box for resets were exposed to electrical hazards where the box had an unused opening on the bottom.  b. On or about 1/23/2017 outside of welding bay 1, employees utilizing the 480 V / 60 A electrical box for resets were exposed to electrical hazards where the box had an unused opening on the bottom.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,338 · Current $3,803 Reduced

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. On or about 1/26/2017 at the Edwards Ironworker, employees performing iron working operations were exposed to 460 V electrical shock and burn hazards where the power cord had visibly exposed internal wiring from being strained.  b. On or about 1/23/2017 JET horizontal band saw outside of welding bay 10, employees making contact with the metallic outer casing while performing cutting operations were exposed to 115 V electrical shock and burn hazards where the power cord had visible copper from strain.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $3,324 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iv): Front-end loaders and similar pieces of equipment were used to support scaffold platforms without being specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use (General Industry Reference:  29 CFR 1910.27(a)):    On or about 1/25/2017 at the crane rails, an employee was exposed to fall hazards where the manlift attachment on the Komatsu forklift was not authorized by Komatsu.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(v): The employer used forklifts  to support scaffold platforms without ensuring that the entire platform was attached to the fork and that the forklift was not moved horizontally while the platform was occupied:  On or about 1/25/2017 at the crane rails, an employee was exposed to fall hazards where an employee was observed being lifted by an attachment that did not afford proper fall protection in that it was not attached to the lift.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Abate by

Jul 21, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iii): Monthly inspections of hooks, with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected, were not performed:  On or about 1/23/2017 throughout the facility employees were exposed to struck-by hazards where the monthly inspection of crane hooks including but not limited to the FHS 20 Ton, S/N S1108 and USA Crane 5 Ton, S/N M-9910 were not being documented.

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:  On or about 1/23/2017, throughout the facility, employees were exposed to electrical hazards in the case of an emergency where the electrical disconnects were not marked or identifiable from location in areas including but not limited to:  a. 480 V by Buggo machine  b. welding bay 1 - 480 V box  c. outside welding bay 1 - Square D, marked 480 V 60 A  d. welding bay 3 - 208 V /120 V, 3 phase, 4 wire

Issued

Jul 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i): Work space was less than 30 inches wide in front of electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less:  a. On or about 1/23/2017, at electrical panel RTU #1, in the case of an emergency employees were exposed to electrical hazards where the panel was blocked by stored material and debris.  b. On or about 1/26/2017, at the shipping department, in the case of an emergency employees were exposed to electrical hazards where the panel was blocked by the saw and materials.

Issued

Mar 22, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,338 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.39(a)(2): The employer failed to report the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees, as a result of a work-related incident, within (24) twenty-four hours:    On or about 9/27/2016 at 2905 Pacific Drive Norcross, GA, the employer failed to notify OSHA of a work related hospitalization within 24 hours, where a welder was struck by a steel skid being supported by an overhead crane.