OSHA Inspection: ELRINGKLINGER USA, INC.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that was 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level was protected from falling by one or more of the following:  Guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, employees were exposed to fall hazards greater than 4 feet above lower levels. Instances include:    a - At 2 Fold 037 machine - missing lower guardrails - 12 ft fall  b - Electrical Mezzanine in Bldg 1 - opening protected with plastic chains - 8 ft fall   c - At Bldg 1 Oven - missing upper and lower rails at ladder opening - 8 ft fall  d - At Hidro Machines 1 and 2 - employees climb the machine itself to access ladders to the top of the equipment since ladder access is blocked - 20 ft fall

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,975 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.29(e)(2): The employer did not ensure open hole(s) in walking-working surfaces were covered securely to prevent accidental displacement.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, in the Kline area of Building 2 in the PFTE room, 12 inch holes were covered with metal plates that were not secured and posed slip/trip hazards to employees walking by and over them. There were 6 holes with covers with openings to the lower level floor.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(ii): Each employee was not protected from tripping into or stepping into or through any hole that is less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above a lower level by covers or guardrail systems.    On 5/2/17, in the Buford facility, at the K-Line conveyor, the pit where the conveyor is located was not covered. Dimensions of the pit are: 12 in. deep, 63.6 in. wide and 24 in. long.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 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 5/2/2017, at the Buford facility, employees performing Authorized work at the facility, including but not limited to the Screen Print machine, Ona 90 press, and the CK41 Riveter machine, were not required to utilize established Lockout procedures.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $8,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation.     On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not provide Authorized employee training to those employees providing service and maintenance to equipment and machines at the facility.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1): The authorized employee did not have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy before the authorized or affected employee turned off the machine.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not ensure employees  performing Authorized work at the facility were knowledgeable in the type and magnitude of energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled and the method to control that energy and instead were permitted to turn off equipment by stopping the machine, at times with interlocks only, and with use of a single die block.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $8,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(i): Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware were not provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer has not provided locks to Authorized employees for the specific use and purpose of Lockout/Tagout purposes.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(i): Lockout or tagout devices were not affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, Authorized employees performing service and maintenance to machines/equipment were not required to utilize a lock during the "lockout" work.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,975 · Current $5,000 Reduced

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 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not perform or certify monthly inspection records of crane hooks used.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iv): Monthly inspections of hoist chains, with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected, were not performed..    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not perform or certify monthly inspection records of crane hoist chains that are in use on various overhead cranes.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not ensure slings used for lifting product were inspected for damage by a competent person. Slings with signs of wear and tear remained in use.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(l)(3)(i): Unsafe condition(s) disclosed during the frequent or periodic inspection(s) required by 29 CFR 1910.179(j) were not corrected before operation of the crane(s) was resumed.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not ensure adjustments and repairs were made to cranes after the periodic inspection performed in 10/2016 indicated the company needed to do so. Deficiencies included:    a- Limit switches needing adjustments  b- Runway rails having loose, missing or deteriorated rivets and needing immediate attention  c- Wire rope showing excessive wear   d- Damaged end stops   e- J bolts are loose and able to be turned by hand  f- Key stock on shaft loose (on Trolley drive shaft)   g- Hooks were found to be in use without safety latches at the following locations: USi press and Stamtec press

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 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 ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not ensure machine guarding was installed on various machines to prevent employee injury. Instances include:    a - @ Screen Print line   b- JET drill press in Maintenance Shop no chuck guard   c- Wilton vertical band saw 6 inches unused portion of blade not guarded   d- JET vertical band saw 7 inches unused portion of blade not guarded  e- JET horiztontal band saw - 9 inches unused portion of blade not guarded  f- Wilton Drill press (serial #0801171) no chuck guard  g- @ the Stamtec Press infeed area sliding mechanism is not guarded

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s).    On 5/2/17, at the Buford job site, employees were exposed to amputation hazards from points of operation on various machines as the areas were not adequately guarded. Instances include:    a - Stamtec Press - light curtains did not guard the point of operation  b - Platina Press (3 press stations) - 2-hand controls did not provide point of operation guarding to employees

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(c)(1)(i): The employer did not provide and ensure the usage of point of operation guards or properly applied point of operation devices on every operation performed on mechanical power press(es).    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not ensure guards attached existed or were sufficient. Instances on the USi mechanical press included:    a - 12 inch area under the light curtain guards where the point of operation could be accessed. The point of operation was inset in the press approximately 2 inches     b- No point of operation guards were at the back of the press

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(e)(1): Inspection and maintenance records. The employer did not establish and follow an inspection program having a general component and a directed component.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not perform inspections of the USi mechanical power press to ensure it was maintained in a safe operating condition.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.217(f)(2): Operator(s) were not trained and instructed in the safe method of work before starting work on mechanical power press(es).    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not provide training to operators in safe working methods, before assigning them work, on the USi mechanical power press.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven -7 feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer did not enclose all sprocket wheel and chain drives. Instances included:    a - Chain and sprocket drives on conveyor table at the end of Ona 90 press - 32 in. from floor levels  b - Chain and sprocket drives on conveyors within the Ona 67 press for small parts conveyor on press bed - 36 in. from floor levels

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,975 · Current $4,125 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 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, the employer permitted employees to use compressed air for cleaning purposes that was measured at 95 psi. Instances included:    a - @ USi press  b - @ Screen Print 2   c - @ Assembly 3 machine

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv): There were damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that were broken, bent, cut or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action or overheating.        On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were exposed to 480 volt electrical hazards as they routinely accessed high voltage electrical-panels that had damaged doors that prevented the panels from being turned off.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $7,967 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(c)(3)(i): All splices and joints and the free ends of the conductors were not covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device identified for the purpose.      On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, in the Maintenance shop area, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards as the electrical cord to the Wilton sander was spliced and then the splice wrapped in electrical tape only and did not provide an adequate outer sheath for protection. Equipment is 230 volt.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $7,967 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1): Sufficient access and working space was not provided and maintained about all electric equipment (operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground) to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment:    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility in Building 1 at the Hidro/Fritz #2 electrical panel, the working space for the equipment was 9 inches and the doors to the cabinet could not be opened all the way due to powered industrial truck guardrails blocking the doors.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,975 · Current $4,125 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.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, electrical extension cords were being used in lieu of permanent wiring. Instances included:    a- In Maintenance Shop on Tool Cutter Grinder - 230 volt  b- At the Ona Press 1 - for the Quality Check light - 110 volt

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by Subpart S of Part 1910, live parts of electric equipment operating  at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the means identified in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i).    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were exposed to 480 volt electrical hazards as they routinely accessed high voltage e-panels to turn off breakers for other equipment that was to be serviced or maintained.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $8,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a)(1): Live parts to which an employee may be exposed were not deenergized before the employee worked on or was near to them:       On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were exposed to 480 volt electrical hazards as they routinely accessed high voltage electrical-panels to gain access to other equipment for service, maintenance and troubleshooting purposes.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(c)(2): The employer did not ensure that only qualified persons were working on energized circuits and that qualified persons were familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were assigned work of routinely entering panels to check PLC's, diagnostics, and voltages on relays without being qualified employees.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2): While an employee was exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which were de-energized, the circuits energizing the parts were not locked out or tagged or both in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2).    On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were directed to pull fuses in electrical panels that had been shut off, but had not been locked out, exposing employees to electrical shock.

Issued

Oct 31, 2017

Abate by

Sep 25, 2018

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $4,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not provided with electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body that needed to be protected and for the work being performed.     On 5/2/17, at the Buford facility, maintenance employees were directed to pull fuses in electrical panels that had been shut off, but had not been locked out where there were potential to electrical hazards were not provided with and did not use electrical protective equipment.