OSHA Inspection: MERRITT BROS. LUMBER COMPANY, INC.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms were not kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.  (a) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the employer did not implement a housekeeping policy, allowing accumulations of wood chips and Class II combustible sawdust to build up on structural beams throughout the Finger Joint building.    NOTE: Abatement documentation AND certification are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): The floor of each workroom was not maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition.    (a) West FJ1 Area; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the employer allowed accumulations 1" - 2" deep of wood chips and combustible sawdust to build up on the floor.    (b) East FJ1 Area; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the employer allowed accumulations 1" - 2" deep of wood chips and combustible sawdust to build up on the floor.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(20)(vi): Provisions were not made for daily removal of refuse:  (a) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the employer had not created or put in place a policy for daily housekeeping, allowing 1" - 2" accumulations of wood chips to build up throughout the Finger Joint Building.    NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 Reduced

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:  (a) FJ2 Trim Saw Table; on February 14, 2018, a lockout or tagout device was not affixed in order to isolate the device prior to removing a jam.    NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 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, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:  (a) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points of the chain conveyor when working within 3' of the FJ2 trim saw in-feed.   (b) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to crushing hazards when working or walking within 3' - 6' of the sliding carriage on the FJ2 pressure roll.   (c) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points of the chain conveyor when working within 3' of the FJ1 trim saw out-feed.   (d) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points of the FJ1 cold press feed while working directly at the belt conveyor.  (e) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points of chain conveyor when working within 3' of the FJ1 trim saw in-feed.    NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8536.00 · Current $5000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Unguarded projecting shaft end(s) did not present a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft:  (a) Plant Wide; on April 5, 2018 and times prior thereto, examples include F2 Feed where there was a 1 3/4" diameter shaft projecting 4" into a main walkway, that was not guarded.  NOTE: Abatement certification is required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(A)(1): The employer did not provide fire watchers whenever welding or cutting was performed, where appreciable combustible material in building construction or contents was closer than 35 feet (10.7 m) to the point of operation:  (a) Finger Joint Building; on February 14, 2018, employees performed hot work near the FJ1 Stacker and less than 20 feet from Class II combustible sawdust and flammable wood chips without assigning a fire watch.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iv): Cutting or welding was permitted in areas before the areas were inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations:  (a) Finger Joint Building, on February 14, 2018, the employer did not authorize an employee to inspect the area prior to welding near the FJ1 Stacker and within 20 feet of Class II combustible sawdust and flammable wood chip accumulations.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(v): Where combustible materials such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers were on the floor, the employer did not ensure that the floor was swept clean for a radius of 35 feet (10.7 m) from the cutting or welding operation:  (a) Finger Joint Building, on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; employees performed welding less than 20 feet of Class II combustible sawdust and flammable wood chips near the FJ1 Stacker.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(5)(ii): Stairways were not provided with a standard handrail on at least one side or on any open side:  (a) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; stairs leading to the Roundtable did not have handrails installed.  (b) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; stairs leading to the FJ2 Bander did not have handrails installed.   (c) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; stairs leading to the JF1 South Corner did not have handrails on the right side.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8536.00 · Current $6400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(18)(i): Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors were not in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6:  (a) FJ1 Reject Conveyor B5; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the conveyor measuring approximately 6'6" at its highest point and 5' at its lowest was not provided with crossover(s) or passageway(s) or with telltales indicating low headroom as required by American National Standard B20.1-1957.  NOTE: Abatement certification IS required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(e)(4)(ii)(a): Trimmer saw(s) were not guarded in front by adequate baffles to protect against flying debris:  (a) FJ2 Line Shaft Trimmer; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, employees were not guarded from flying debris while walking by or working within 1' - 6'.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(e)(4)(ii)(b): End saws on trimmer saw(s) were not guarded:  (a) FJ1 Trim Line; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, finger joint trimmer saws were inadequately guarded where homemade cages were raised and did not restrict access to operating blades.    NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9959.00 · Current $7500.00 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):  (a) Circuit Breaker Panel - Structural Line 'B' MCC; on February 13, 2018, employees walking or working in the area were exposed to live parts rated at 480V when the door to B24 was left open.  (b) Circuit Breaker Panel - Structural Line 'B' MCC; on February 13, 2018, employees walking or working in the area were exposed to live parts rated at 480V when the door to B41 was left open.   NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8536.00 · Current $5000.00 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) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; the employer did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program for employees working with hazardous chemicals including but not limited to flammable acetylene and combustible wood dust.   NOTE: Abatement certification IS required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-09-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

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) On February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; the employer did not ensure that employees are provided effective information for operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present. Employees are exposed to and work with multiple hazardous chemicals including but not limited to acetylene and combustible wood dust.   NOTE: Abatement certification IS required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $19918.00 · Current $17000.00 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:  (a) FJ2 Trim Saw In-Feed Line; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the employer had not developed or documented specific procedures to control potential energy when clearing jams.  Merritt Bros. Lumber Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1264326, citation number 1, item number 1a and was affirmed as a final order on December 27, 2017, with respect to a workplace located at 5400 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $19918.00 · Current $17000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees:  (a) FJ2 In-Feed; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto; employees were not given adequate training about the need for energy control when removing jams.    Merritt Bros. Lumber Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1264326, citation number 1, item number 1b and was affirmed as a final order on December 27, 2017, with respect to a workplace located at 5400 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14228.00 · Current $12100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(4)(vi): Walkway(s) and stairway(s), with standard handrails, were not provided where required in elevated and hazardous locations:  (a) FJ1 Stacker; on April 5, 2018 and at times prior thereto, there was no walkway over the top of a roller system that carries stacks of finger joints boards to the Bander.   (b) FJ2 Bander; on April 5, 2018 and at times prior thereto, there was no walkway over the top of a roller system that carries completed stacks of finger joint boards to the pick-up location.   Merritt Bros Lumber Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard which was contained in OSHA inspection number 963986, citation number 1, item number 1b and was affirmed as a final order on May 14, 2014, with respect to a workplace located at 5400 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-21 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $19918.00 · Current $19918.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(26)(viii): Lower landing area(s) of stacker(s) and unstacker(s) were not guarded by enclosure(s) that prevented entrance to the area(s) or pit(s) below the hoist platform(s):  (a) FJ1 Stacker; on February 14, 2018 and at times prior thereto, the area under the FJ1 end line stacker was not guarded to prevent any part of an employee's body from entering.      NOTE: ENTRANCES SHOULD BE PROTECTED BY ELECTRICALLY INTERLOCKED GATES, WHICH WHEN OPENED, WILL DISCONNECT THE POWER AND SET THE BRAKES. WITHOUT INTERLOCK, OTHER POSITIVE MEANS OF PROTECTING THE ENTRANCE WILL BE PROVIDED  Merritt Bros. Lumber Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1264326, citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on December, 27, 2017, with respect to a workplace located at 5400 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.

Issued

2018-07-26 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-08-07 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $19918.00 · Current $17000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(f)(3): The employer did not use dust-tight protection techniques for equipment in Class II, Division 2 and Class III locations.  (a) Circuit Breaker Panel - Structural Line 'B' MCC; on February 13, 2018, where 480V Circuit Breaker B24 had an open door exposing live parts. The panel is located in a Class II location and Class II combustible sawdust was entering the panel because doors protecting the circuit breakers were open.   (b) Circuit Breaker Panel - Structural Line 'B' MCC; on February 13, 2018, where 480V Circuit Breaker B41 had an open door exposing live parts. The panel is located in a Class II location and Class II combustible sawdust was entering the panel because doors protecting the circuit breakers were open.   Merritt Bros Lumber Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 963986, citation number 1, item number 4b and was affirmed as a final order on May 14, 2014, with respect to a workplace located at 5400 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801.  NOTE: Abatement certification AND documentation are required for this item.