OSHA Inspection: SURFACE DYNAMICS, INC.

Issued

Dec 11, 2018

Abate by

Jan 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $9,054 · Current $9,054

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of flash fire from the ignition of a suspended cloud of combustible titanium metal powder when emptying the metal powder from a non-metallic duct.   a) On or about 8/7/2018, in the Plasma Spray Area, employees were exposed to the hazard of flash fire from the ignition of suspended combustible titanium powder dust when emptying titanium powder collected in a PVC pressure relief pipe connected to a plasma spraying chamber. Employees removed titanium dust from the inside of the PVC duct via gravity unloading and without means to control for static electric discharge from the human body (i.e. no personnel bonding/grounding) and without means to control for dispersions of dust that produce dust clouds.  In addition, the duct itself was constructed of a non-conductive material.

Issued

Dec 11, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,054 · Current $946 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    The employer did not provide flame-resistant clothing for employees who were exposed to potential flash-fires during activities including but not limited to removing titanium powder dust from a PVC ventilation duct.

Issued

Dec 11, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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):  The employer's hazard assessment covering operators of the titanium Plasma Spray Chamber was inadequate in that it did not address hazards associated with flash fire.

Issued

Dec 11, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,054 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):     Employees were exposed to chemicals such as helium (compressed gas/asphyxiation), liquid argon (asphyxiation/frostbite), and titanium sponge powder (flammable solid/burns) and the employer did not develop a written hazard communication program.

Issued

Dec 11, 2018

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:  Employees were exposed to chemicals such as titanium sponge powder (flammable solid/burns), helium (compressed gas/asphyxiation), and liquid argon (frostbite/asphyxiation) and the employer did not ensure that employees received hazard communication training.