OSHA Inspection: A-CHEM, LLC

Issued

Jul 23, 2018

Abate by

Sep 7, 2018

Penalty

Initial $2,772 · Current $1,700 Reduced

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, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):    (a)  A hazard assessment did not adequately evaluated health hazards associated with the synthesis of chemicals, such as but not limited to Methylene Chloride, Acetone, THF, Ethanol, MTBE and acids. This exposed employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jul 23, 2018

Abate by

Sep 7, 2018

Penalty

Initial $2,772 · Current $1,700 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)   Workers performing synthesis of chemical intermediates were required to use negative pressure air purifying respirators.  No written respiratory protection program had been established for this required respirator use.    (b) Worksite specific procedures, in accordance with section (d) of this standard, had not been established for selection of appropriate respiratory protection.      (c) Medical evaluation procedures, in accordance with section (e) of this standard, had not been implemented to assure that these workers were physically able to use the provided half-face and full-face elastomeric cartridge type respirators.    (d) Fit test procedures, in accordance with section (f) of this standard, had not been implemented to assure that the provided tight-fitting respirators fit properly.    (e) Training and information, in accordance with section (k) of this standard, had not been provided to assure that workers understood the limitations of the respirators, and how to properly use, store, and maintain the respirators.

Issued

Jul 23, 2018

Abate by

Aug 9, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i): Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or  were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:  (a) Lab Number Two (2): On or about January 29, 2018, a 3M full face respirator and 3M half faced respirator not in use were stored openly in a storage cabinet with Oatey PVC cement containers and cans of spray paint. This exposed the respirators to contamination.

Issued

Jul 23, 2018

Abate by

Dec 31, 2018

Penalty

Initial $2,772 · Current $1,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(d)(2): The employer did not perform initial monitoring to determine each employee's exposure to methylene chloride:    (a) Chemist employees periodically dispensed methylene chloride into chemical manufacturing processes.  No air monitoring had been done to determine each worker's full shift and short term exposure to methylene chloride.

Issued

Jul 23, 2018

Abate by

Sep 7, 2018

Penalty

Initial $3,880 · Current $1,900 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) A-Chem LLC did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) that would describe or include at least the following:    1) Requirement for labeling of containers of hazardous chemicals;    2) Material safety data sheet availability;    3) Training of employees;    4) a complete list of hazardous chemicals known to be in the workplace;    5) Methods to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks; and    6) Methods to inform other employer(s) of material safety data sheet availability; the labeling system; and any precautionary measures to protect employees.    Workers were exposed to hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to: Sulfuric Acid, Methylene Chloride, Acetone, Ethanol, MTBE, Ethyl Acetate and THF.