OSHA Inspection: GENERAL WOODWORKING INC.

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,338 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:    a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851. Spray etching operation.    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment to determine that employees exchanging barrels of Rinse 22 and Paint Lok 550-F are exposed to acid splash hazards to the hands and face.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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) 299 Western Ave., Lowell, MA 01851. Spray Etching Operation.   On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that employees who perform barrel exchanges of Rinse 22 and Paint Lok 550-F were provided face shields to protect from acid splashes, exposing employees to burn hazards.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes:  a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employee's hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances. Employees exchanging the etching chemicals for the etching booth, which contain hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids, were provided with cotton gloves treated with rubber on the palms, and not chemical resistant gloves.        Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,070 · Current $2,000 Reduced

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) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851. Powdercoating Booth.     On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not establish a written respiratory protection program with worksite specific procedures for an employee required to wear a powered air purifying respirator while conducting powdercoating operations.     Abatment documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:  a) 299 Western Ave., Lowell, MA 01851. Powdercoating booth.   On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not provide a medical evaluation for the powdercoating employee who is required to wear an air line respirator while conducting powdercoating application to parts, prior to the employee's original use of the respirator.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1): Respirators were not cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or equivalent procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer:  a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851  On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that respirators were cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134. An employee conducting powdercoating used an airline respirator that was not adequately cleaned and disinfected.   Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirement of 29 CFR 1904.19(c)

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(i): Compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators were not so constructed and situated so as to prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system:    a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 10851    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators were situated as to prevent entry of contaminated air into the air supply system. The employer placed a hose leading from the compressor outside of the building, where trains pass, and a locomotive oiling station is present. The compressor system has no means to filter out these contaminants.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(ii): Compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators were not so constructed and situated so as to prevent or minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 atmosphere pressure was 10 degrees F (5.56 deg. C) below the ambient temperature:    a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that the compressor used to supply breathing air to the air line respirator in the powdercoating booth was so constructed and situated so as to prevent or minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 atmosphere pressure was 10 degrees F (5.56 deg. C) below the ambient temperature.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(iii): The compressor's sorbent bed and filters were not maintained and replaced or refurbished periodically as instructed by the manufacturer:     a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851       On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that the compressors sorbent bed and filters were maintained and replaced or refurbished periodically as instructed by the manufacturer. The compressor supplies breathing air to the air line respirator in the powdercoating booth, exposing the employee to air below grade d.        Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(iv): The employer did not ensure that compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators were constructed and situated so as to have a tag maintained at the compressor containing the most recent change date and the signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the change:    a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851      On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that the compressor used to supply breathing air to the air line respirator located in the powdercoating booth was constructed and situated so as to have a tag maintained at the compressor containing the most recent change date and the signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the change. No tag was present on the compressor.       Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $3,802 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(d)(1): Washing facilities were not maintained in a sanitary condition:    a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851      On or about March 29, 2017, the employer did not ensure that washing facilities were maintained in a sanitary condition. The restroom was found to be in unsanitary condition.       Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Sep 27, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,338 · Current $3,000 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) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851      On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not ensure that employees exposed to hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids were provided suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. An eyewash was located on the opposite side of the floor, around multiple corners and a half wall.       Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,338 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:     a) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain a written hazard communication program. The employer uses multiple chemicals in their processes, including Rinse 22 and Paint Lok 550-F, both of which pose severe burn hazards to employees who work with the chemicals.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).

Issued

Aug 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 16, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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) 299 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851    On or about April 3, 2017, the employer did not provide effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment. Employees working with chemicals such as, but not limited to Rinse 22 and Paint Lok 550-F, were not trained on the severe hazards of the acids contained in both chemicals.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.19(d).