OSHA Inspection: BELCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

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

Hazardous substances 2280

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, that would necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):  On or about 5 April 2017,  the employer did not conduct and implement an effective hazard assessment for employees spraying resin and fiberglass mix to manufacture fiberglass reinforced tanks;  as well as those grinding and sanding the iron molds, exposing them to hazards such as but not limited to inhalation, dermal and eye hazards.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(b): The employers did not select the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.  On or about 5 April 2017, employees in the production area were spraying a mixture of resin and fiberglass  onto molds while wearing wrist length gloves as PPE, exposing the rest of the forearm to dermal hazards from chemicals such as but not limited to styrene.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

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

Hazardous substances 092117502280

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that all employees using tight-fitting facepiece respirator were fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, and/or whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) was used, and at least annually thereafter.  On or about 5 April 2017, in the "300 area", where two new employees were using tight fitting respirators while grinding, sanding, as well as spraying resin mix, the employer did not provide them with a fit test prior to their use, exposing them to the hazards of inhalation.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(3): The employer did not designate a program administrator that was qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness.  On or about 5 April 2017, the employer had implemented a written respiratory protection program in the workplace but did not designate a respiratory program administrator.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

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

Hazardous substances 092117502280

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A): The employer did not ensure that Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function was shaved.   On or about 5 April 2017; while the employees working in the production area of the facility were using half face elastomeric respirators for PPE when spraying resin and grinding molds, the employer did not effectively enforce the rule requiring employees to be clean shaven when wearing respirators, exposing them to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jul 26, 2017

Abate by

Aug 14, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 092117502280

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(vii): The employer did not train some of the employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations:  On or about April 5 2017, new employees working in the "300 area" were provided respirators, but not provided effective training regarding the unique respiratory hazards of chemicals such as, but not limited to, styrene, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, and fiber glass, exposing them to inhalation hazards.