OSHA Inspection: PIEDMONT WOODS PRODUCTS, LLC

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $3,126 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1): Employee(s) were not able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge:    a) Throughout the facility: On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that emergency exit doors could be open without special tools or knowledge when an exit door was lock with a screw that required more than one operation to remove.  In case of fire or other emergency requiring evacuation, employees were exposed to entrapment, burns, and smoke inhalation hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(1): Each exit route was not adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.  a) Exit next to the extractor: On or about September 27,  2018, and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that that exit doors lighting was installed when the exit door did not have emergency lighting installed.  In case of fire or other emergency requiring evacuation, employees were exposed to entrapment, burns, and smoke inhalation hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.101(b): The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks were not in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in CFR 1910.6: (3.3.8 - Where caps were provided for valve protection, such caps were not kept on cylinders in storage)    On or about September 2018, and at times prior to, employees were exposed to struck-by hazards where compressed gas cylinders were stored without their valve caps.  Instances include, but are not limited to the following:    a) Storage inside next to lunch table:  A cylinder containing Compressed Gas, N.O.S. (Argon 75%, Carbon Dioxide 25%).    b) Storage inside next to break/lunch area: At least two (2) compressed gas cylinders containing oxygen were stored without valve caps. Employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when compressed gas cylinders used for oxy-fuel gas welding were stored without valve caps.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): Procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(A), (c)(4)(ii)(B), (c)(4)(ii)(C) and (c)(4)(ii)(D):     On or about Septmeber 27, 2018, and at times prior to, employees perform maintenance and servicing on various equipment.  Employees were exposed to struck by, caught in and amputation hazards when the specific procedures did not contain enough specificity.  Deficiencies included but were not limited to the following:     a) RESAW - Procedures did not include the purposed and/or scope.   b) GANG SAW - Procedures did not include the purposed and/or scope.   c) CHOP SAW -  Procedures did not include the purposed and/or scope.   d) BLOWER -  Procedures did not include the purposed and/or scope.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(B): The energy control procedure did not clearly and specifically specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy:  On or about September 27, 2018 , and at times prior to, employees perform maintenance and servicing on various equipment.  Employees were exposed to struck by, caught in and amputation hazards when the specific procedures did not contain enough specificity.  Deficiencies included but were not limited to the following:    a) RESAW - The procedure states,  "switching off the machine at the breaker panel", but it does specify which breaker is needed to shut off the equipment.  b) GANG SAW - The procedure states, "the breaker on the electrical panel is to be switched OFF and locked out.", but does not indicate which breaker to shut off.  c) CHOP SAW -  The procedure states "the breaker on the electrical panel is to be switched OFF and locked out", but does specify which breaker to shut off  d) BLOWER -  The procedure states, " the breaker on the electrical panel is to be switched OFF and locked out", but does not specify which breaker to shut off. e) Gang Saw- The procedures states, "The infeed and outfeed conveyors are controlled by the hydraulic system", but does not indicate how to lock out the hydraulics.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(D): The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control  On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, employees perform maintenance and servicing on various equipment.  Employees were exposed to struck by, caught in and amputation hazards when the specific procedures did not contain enough specificity.  Deficiencies included but were not limited to the following:    a) RESAW - The procedure does not indicate how to verify that the electrical energy has been lock out.    b) GANG SAW - The procedure does not indicate how to verify that the electrical energy has been lock out.     c) CHOP SAW -  The procedure does not indicate how to verify that the electrical energy has been lock out.    d) BLOWER -  The procedure does not indicate how to verify that the electrical energy has been lock out.    e) Gang Saw- The procedure does not indicate how to verify that the hydraulics has been lock out.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1): Portable fire extinguishers were not mounted, located and identified so that they were readily accessible without subjecting the employees to injuries:    On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, employees to hazards associated with improperly stored fire extinguishers where the following deficiencies found included, but were not limited to:    a)  Entry door machine shop,: A portable fire extinguisher was located on top of a table, was not mounted or its location identified and it was tag properly.    b)  Machine Line: The fire extinguisher was mounted, but its location was not identified, it was partially blocked by wood products and it was not charged.    c)  Key Stone Machine: A fire extinguisher was placed on top machinery, not mounted and not charged nor inspected since 2008.      d) Office area: A fire extinguisher was mounted not identified nor did it have the yellow inspection tag attached, but it was charged.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4): Portable fire extinguishers were not maintained in a fully charged and operable condition:  On or about September 27, 2018 and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that fire extinguishers were fully charged and in an operable condition.  a)    Machine Line: The fire extinguisher available for use at the machine line where the product is trim, cut and made was not charged.  The gauge was showing zero pressure.  b)    Key Stone Machine: The fire extinguisher available for use at the machine line where the product is trim, cut and made was not charged.  The gauge was showing zero pressure. The tag indicated that it was inspected since 2008.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2): Portable fire extinguishers were not visually inspected at least monthly:  On or about September 27, 2018 and at times prior to throughout the facility, employees engaged in work activities associated with the production of wood products were exposed to hazards associated with portable fire extinguishers that were not inspected on a monthly basis.  Deficiencies noted included, but were not limited to fire extinguishers not mounted or located in designated areas, blocked by equipment, not fully charged, and missing annual inspection tags.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3): The date of the annual maintenance check of portable fire extinguishers was not recorded:  a) On or about September 2018,  and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that the date of annual maintenance was recorded, when a fire extinguisher did not have the yellow maintenance record attached.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1): An educational program was not provided for all employees to familiarize them with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting:  a) Throughout the facility - On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, the employer did not train employees who were expected to use the fire extinguishers in case of a fire. Employees were exposed to fire hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4): Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation of powered industrial truck were performed by the employer without the manufacturer's prior written approval:    Throughout the facility: On or about October 10, 2018, and at times prior to, employees used Mitsubishi sit down forklift  Model FGC30K, SN: AF83E00080 with a personnel platform to lift employees to perform maintenance tasks.  Employees were exposed to falling from distances up to 6-feet to the concrete below. The manufacturer did not approve the use of the platform.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 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) Resaw : On our about September 27, 2018 and at times prior to, employees were exposed to caught in between hazards when the saw was not guarded when employees including, but not limited to feed the wood and walking the area.      b) Key stone: On our about September 27, 2018 and at times prior to, employees were exposed to caught in between hazards when a rotating circular shaft was not guarded when employees including, but not limited to feed the wood and walking the area.    c) Quality Machinery: On our about September 27, 2018 and at times prior to, employees were exposed to caught in between hazards when rotating rollers where not guarded for employees including, but not limited to feeding, walking and picking up the wood on the opposite side.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to,       a)  Smith Band SAW:  The employer did not ensure the pulleys of the machine were guarded.  The operators including, but not limited to, walking the area, feed and picking up plywood, exposing the employee to amputations and caught in between hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  a) Smith Band Saw: On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that the nip point on a traversing motion sprocket and chain system were guarded where plywood was being placed and stacked.  Employees at the Band Saw were exposed to amputations and caught in between hazards.  b) Chop Saw: On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that the nip point on a traversing motion sprocket and chain system were guarded where plywood was being cut and placed into a conveyor.  Employees at the Band Saw were exposed to amputations and caught in between hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,376 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:     a) Breaker # 1 main breaker box on production floor:  On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to employees were engaged in work activities including but not limited maintenance and operation of machines receiving power from a panel box controlling equipment such as but not limited to the Band Saw, Blower, Shop Saw, Resaw and Key Stone Machine.  The panel box had some breakers labeled, but other breakers were not labeled or the handwriting was illegible.    b) Breaker # 2, next to the office:  On or about November 7, 2017, and at times prior to employees were engaged in work activities including but not limited maintenance and operation of machines receiving power from a panel box controlling equipment such as but not limited to the light fixtures and outlet that power the fans. The panel box had none of the breakers were labeled.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $3,751 · Current $700 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)  Extension cable outside lunch table: On or about September 27, 2018 , and at times prior to, employees were exposed to electric shock hazards where an extension cord connected to a Mobil home had exposed cooper and it was lived exposing employees walking the area to electric shock hazards.    b) Extension cable production line: On or about September 27, 2018 , and at times prior to, employees were exposed to electric shock hazards where an extension cord connected to not limited to fans had exposed wires and it was lived exposing employees walking the area to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:  a) production line: On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, employees were exposed to electroshocked hazards when extensions cords were connected without strain relief and attached to the ceiling and running across the building platform.  The extension cord was used to provide power equipment including but not limited to, phones and other equipment used throughout the day.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D): Flexible cords and cables were attached to building surfaces:     Production line: On or about September 27, 2018, and at times prior to, employees were exposed to hazards associated with the use of extension cords attached to the ceiling and running across the building platform.  The extension cord was used to provide power equipment including but not limited to, phones and other equipment used throughout the day.

Issued

Mar 14, 2019

Abate by

Apr 9, 2019

Penalty

Initial $6,252 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): (1) All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.    On or about September 27, 2019 and at times prior to, the employer did not ensure that all work areas were keep clean and orderly when including, but not limited to piles of saw dust where left on the floor, walking working surfaces where cover with a dark liquid. Exposing employees to slip hazards.    The Piedmont Woods Products, LLC. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.22(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1147325, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on (date), with respect to a workplace located at101 Folendore Rd  Gray, GA 31032.