OSHA Inspection: PUKALL LUMBER COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,332 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): (1) Unprotected sides and edges.  (i) Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following:      Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately ten feet to the level below while breaking jams on the upper hammer hog conveyor from the mezzanine above the breakroom in the New Planing Mill.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(4)(iv): Elevated walks.  All elevated walks, runways, or platforms, if 4 feet or more from the floor level, shall be provided with a standard railing except on loading or unloading sides of platforms.  If height exceeds 6 feet, a standard toe board also shall be provided to prevent material from rolling or falling off.  a.  On or about February 11, 2019, the employer did not guard the conveyor platform behind the chipper with a standard railing.  The platform was approximately 58.5 inches above the lower level and did not have a guardrail at least 42 inches tall.  b.  On or about March 19, 2019, employees working in the Saw Sharpening Room were exposed to fall hazards greater than four feet when passing saw blades through the hole in the floor to employees working by head saws and resaws.  The floor openings were approximately two feet wide and ten feet long.  c.  On or about January 29, 2019, employees working in the Boiler Room were exposed to falls of approximately 20 feet while accessing the upper platform to move the switch gates that moved smoke from the stack to the dryer.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $5,105 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): Application of control.  The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6):    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with in-going nip points and caught-in hazards when engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the chipper pit conveyor belt in the sawmill basement.  The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to clean in the pit with the conveyor running.  The machine was not shut down or turned off prior to engaging in this servicing and maintenance activity.    b.  On or about February 12, 2019, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with in-going nip points and caught-in hazards when engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the Upper Hog Conveyor in the New Planing Mill.  The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to break jams and clean under the conveyor.  The machine was not shut down or turned off prior to engaging in this servicing and maintenance activity.    As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910.147(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine servicing hazards.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,376 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): Types of guarding.  One or more methods of machine guarding shall be 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.  Examples of guarding methods are-barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.    a.  On or about March 19, 2019, a chuck guard was not used on the Lodge & Shipley Machine Tool Company 14 inch Lathe located in the Maintenance Shop, which exposed employees to hazards created by rotating parts and flying metal chips.     b.  On or about March 19, 2019, a chuck guard was not used on the Clausing Colchester 21 inch Lathe located in the Maintenance Shop, which exposed employees to hazards created by rotating parts and flying metal chips.    c.  On or about February 12, 2019, the pulleys transferring power to the Weinig Molder outfeed conveyor drive were not adequately guarded.  Employees could reach into the nip point of the belt and pulley from where they catch panel pieces.      d.  On or about February 12, 2019, the pulleys transferring power to the Opticut conveyor drive were not adequately guarded.  Employees could reach into the nip point of the belt and pulley from where they would catch pieces.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,376 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(i)(1): All portions of the saw blade shall be enclosed or guarded, except for the working portion of the blade between the bottom of the guide rolls and the table. Bandsaw wheels shall be fully encased.  The outside periphery of the enclosure shall be solid.  The front and back of the band wheels shall be either enclosed by solid material or by wire mesh or perforated metal.  Such mesh or perforated metal shall be not less than 0.037 inch (U.S. Gage No. 20), and the openings shall be not greater than three-eighths inch.  Solid material used for this purpose shall be of an equivalent strength and firmness.  The guard for the portion of the blade between the sliding guide and the upper-saw-wheel guard shall protect the saw blade at the front and outer side.  This portion of the guard shall be self-adjusting to raise and lower with the guide. The upper-wheel guard shall be made to conform to the travel of the saw on the wheel.    On or about March 18, 2019, the Kimwood Machinery Inc. Ferrari Resaw in the Old Planing Mill room did not have guarding to prevent employees from accessing the unused portion of the cutting blade.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,376 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(n)(1): Each planing, molding, sticking, and matching machine shall have all cutting heads, and saws if used, covered by a metal guard.  If such guard is constructed of sheet metal, the material used shall be not less than 1/16 inch in thickness, and if cast iron is used, it shall be not less than three-sixteenths inch in thickness.    a.  On or about March 19, 2019, the Mattison Machine Works model 276 molder in the Molding Room was not covered with metal guards that enclosed the cutting heads.        b.  On or about March 19, 2019, the S. A. Woods Molder 137MT in the Molding Room was not covered with metal guards that enclosed the cutting heads.    c.  On or about February 12, 2019, the Yates-American Machine Company (serial # 30049), located in the New Planing Mill was not equipped with a metal guard that enclosed the cutting head.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(n)(3): Feed rolls shall be guarded by a hood or suitable guard to prevent the hands of the operator from coming in contact with the in-running rolls at any point.  The guard shall be fastened to the frame carrying the rolls so as to remain in adjustment for any thickness of stock.    a.  On or about March 19, 2019, the Mattison Machine Works model 276 Molder in the Molding Room was not equipped with hood or guard that would prevent access to the feed rolls.        b.  On or about March 19, 2019, the S. A. Woods Molder 137MT in the Molding Room was not equipped with hood or guard that would prevent access to the feed rolls.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,376 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(r)(4): Suitable guard(s) were not provided to reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of operation of on the Up-cut Chop Saw;    a.  On or about February 12, 2019, the Industrial Woodworking Machine Co. Inc. Up-cut Chop Saw (Serial # C500L-2-410389) in the Panel Shop did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade.      b.  On or about March 19, 2019, the Industrial Woodworking Machine Co. Inc. Up-cut Chop Saw (Serial # C500L-7-283680) in the Molding Room did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $4,376 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Guarding. Pulleys, any parts of which are seven (7) feet or less from the floor or working platform, shall be guarded in accordance with the standards specified in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.  Pulleys serving as balance wheels (e.g., punch presses) on which the point of contact between belt and pulley is more than six feet six inches (6 ft. 6 in.) from the floor or platform may be guarded with a disk covering the spokes.    Between January 21, 2019 and March 7, 2019, the pulleys transferring power to the Silo unloader drive were not guarded which exposed employees to caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical and inclined belts shall be enclosed by a guard conforming to standards in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.  Between January 21, 2019 and March 7, 2019, the belts transferring power to the Silo unloader drive were not guarded which exposed employees to caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains.  All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform.  Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided.  This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets.  a.  Employees working in the area around the barn sweep drive located outside of the sawmill in the boiler area were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught-in hazards from the unguarded chain and sprocket driving the barn sweep.   b.  Between January 21, 2019 and March 7, 2019, employees working around the silo unloader located underneath the silo in the boiler area were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught-in hazards created from the unguarded chain and sprocket driving the silo unloader.  c.  Employees working near the head saw #2 log deck drive located outside the debarker were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught-in hazards created from the unguarded chain and sprocket driving the log deck.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $4,376

Hazardous substances 0070X100

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(e)(3)(ii)(C)(3): Flash-back protection shall be provided by an approved device that will prevent flame from passing into the fuel-gas system.    On or about March 19, 2019, the Oxygen/Acetylene torch in the saw sharpening room was not equipped with flash-back protection.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Sep 5, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $5,105 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(18)(i): Standards. Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors shall be in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6: Section 602 Pulleys, Sprockets, Sheaves, Drums, Blocks:    a. Between January 21, 2019 and January 29, 2019, an employee working around the Debarker Basement conveyor were exposed to caught-in hazards from the unguarded tail pulley that was not equipped with a guard.    b.  On or about February 12, 2019, employees working in the Sawmill Basement were exposed to caught-in hazards when walking under unguarded idler wheels on the chipper conveyor.     c.  On or about March 19, 2019 an employee working in the Stacker Building was exposed to caught-in hazards and ingoing nip-points from an unguarded chain conveyor.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $5,105 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(21)(ii)(a): Hog mills shall be so designed and arranged that from no position on the rim of the chute shall the distance to the cutter knives be less than 40 inches.    On or about February 11, 2019, the chute around the Chipper Hog located in the Sawmill Basement was not at least 40 inches from the cutter knives.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $117,598 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): Application of control.  The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6):    a.  On or about January 29, 2019, an employee was exposed to machine hazards associated with in-going nip points and caught-in hazards when engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the outdoor debarker conveyor located in the boiler area.  The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to clean under and around the conveyor tail pulley.  The machine was not shut down or turned off prior to engaging in this servicing and maintenance activity.      b.  Between January 21, 2019, and January 29, 2019, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with in-going nip points and caught-in hazards when engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the debarker basement conveyor located in the debarker building.  The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to clean under and around the conveyor tail pulley.  The machine was not shut down or turned off prior to engaging in this servicing and maintenance activity.        As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910.147(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine servicing hazards.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $116,686 · Current $11,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(18)(i): Standards. Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors shall be in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6. Section 602 Pulleys, Sprockets, Sheaves, Drums, Blocks:    Employees working around the Outside Small Bark Conveyor located in the boiler area were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards from the unguarded tail pulley when the employer would remove the tail pulley guard in the winter months.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(2): Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit."  On or about March 19, 2019, a man door in the Molding Room leading to the Old Planning Mill was not marked by a sign reading "Exit".

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 09202140

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6)(ii): Workplace labeling.  Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.  On or about January 29, 2019, the employer did not ensure that two containers of chemicals used to treat the boiler were labeled, tagged or marked with product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof.  Both of the plastic containers labeled "BOILER CHEMICAL ONLY" had a mixture of chemicals such as Potassium Hydroxide and Diethylaminoethanol, which the employees would use to prevent scale buildup in the boiler system.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(3)(iii): Floor maintenance. The flooring of buildings, docks, and passageways shall be kept in good repair.  When a hazardous condition develops that cannot be immediately repaired, the area shall be guarded until adequate repairs are made.    On or about March 19, 2019, the floor on the west side of the sawmill was not kept in good repair.  Water had created two soft spots in the Sawmill floor.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,834 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:    a.  Between January 29, 2019 and March 7, 2019, a metallic outlet box was not installed in accordance with UL identifier QCIT which states the box shall be mounted in or on a surface.  The metallic outlet box was attached to a flexible conductor and not mounted to a wall or post in the Debarker building.      b.  On or about February 11, 2019, a metallic outlet box was not installed in accordance with UL identifier QCIT which states the box shall be mounted in or on a surface.  The metallic outlet box was attached to a flexible conductor and not mounted to a post in the Chipper Office.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(c)(3)(i): Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy.  Soldered splices shall first be spliced or joined to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered.  All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device identified for the purpose.    On or about February 11, 2019, the employer had a splice between two conductors in the Chipper Office that was not covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B): The width of working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater.  In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels; and    a.  On or about March 19, 2019, the width of the working space in front of the electric equipment in the Molding Room was less than 30 inches.  The distance between the measuring table and the electrical switchboard was approximately 25 inches.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,834 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(ix): All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard.  Brass shell, paper-lined sockets, or other metal-cased sockets may not be used unless the shell is grounded.    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, a compact fluorescent light bulb in the sawmill basement near the Chipper Office was not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or guard.    b.  On or about February 11, 2019, two 4 foot fluorescent tubes in the sawmill basement near the Chipper Office were not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or guard.     c.  On or about February 11, 2019, two 4 foot fluorescent tubes in the sawmill basement near the near Head Saw #2 Pit were not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or guard.     d.  On or about February 11, 2019, two 4 foot fluorescent tubes in the sawmill basement near the near Head Saw #2 Pit were not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or guard.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed.    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, conduit leading into the small Square D control box near the chipper was broken and the wire was not protected from abrasion.      b.  On or about February 12, 2019, conduit was pulled away from a 4 inch junction box in the Sawmill Basement, beneath Headsaw #1, exposing the wire to abrasion.      c.  On or about February 12, 2019, conductors running through the Sawmill wall near the Big Bark debarker conveyor were exposed to abrasion and strain.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, a metallic junction box near the shaker in the Sawmill Basement was not effectively closed, as it had two knockouts that were pushed in.    b.  On or about February 11, 2019, a metal raceway in the Sawmill Basement near Head Saw #2 was not effectively closed, as it had a missing knockout.     c.  On or about February 12, 2019, a 4 inch metallic junction box in the Sawmill Basement near Head Saw #2 was not effectively closed, as it had a knockout that was missing and the box was filled with sawdust.      d.  On or about February 12, 2019, a metallic pull box near the Chipper Hog in the Sawmill Basement was not effectively closed, as it had a missing knockout.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded.  In completed installations, each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy.  Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear.    On or about February 11, 2019, a 4 inch junction box that was located in the Chipper Office did not have a cover.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used as permanent wiring:    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, an extension cord was used as permanent power and tied to conduit in the Sawmill Basement near Head saw #1 exposing employees to electrical hazards and fire hazards.    b.  On or about February 12, 2019, flexible cord was used as permanent power in the Sawmill Basement under Head saw #2 exposing employees to electrical hazards and fire hazards.

Issued

Jul 17, 2019

Abate by

Aug 14, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,834 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(i): A flexible cord used with grounding type equipment shall contain an equipment grounding conductor.    a.  On or about February 11, 2019, the power cord on the electric pedestal fan in sawmill near the trim saw was missing the ground pin.    b.  On or about February 11, 2019, an extension cord used to power the Makita electric chainsaw was missing the ground pin.    c.  On or about February 11, 2019, the power cord on the Milwaukee vacuum in chipper office was missing the ground pin.    d.  On or about February 11, 2019, the power cord on the electric pedestal fan in the chipper office was missing the ground pin.