OSHA Inspection: STARFIRE CORPORATION

Issued

Jul 10, 2019

Abate by

Nov 15, 2021

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $11,934

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 burn and struck-by hazards.  a. Starfire Corporation worksite located at 22 Main Street, Toledo, Ohio:  On or about February 23, 2019, employees were exposed to burn and struck-by hazards from the inadvertent ignition and launching of aerial shells due to the removal of the protective shrouds covering the ends of the electronic matches used to ignite the shell's quick fuses.  The aerial shells were not equipped with a plastic T-connector to accept the shrouded end of the electronic match which required employees to remove the shroud and directly attach the unprotected electric match head to the end of the quick fuse, thereby exposing the match head to friction, static electricity, and damage.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to follow manufacturer guidelines, company policies, and 2018 NFPA 1123 Code for Fireworks Display Section 4.2.2.6 to ensure that electric matches that are attached to display fireworks have a shroud protecting the match head.

Issued

Jul 10, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2026

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $1,000 Reduced

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 burn and struck-by hazards.  a. Starfire Corporation worksite located at 22 Main Street, Toledo, Ohio:  On or about February 23, 2019, the employer did not ensure wooden mortar racks were designed to withstand a catastrophic aerial shell malfunction in the mortar, exposing employees to burn and struck-by hazards from the aerial shells.  During display set-up, an aerial shell exploded in a 6 inch mortar which caused a number of mortars to be expelled from the mortar rack, destroying the mortar rack.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to follow 2018 NFPA 1123 Code for Fireworks Display Section 4.6.1 by using mortar racks that prevent repositioning and are designed to withstand a shell exploding in a mortar, which causes the mortar to burst.

Issued

Jul 10, 2019

Abate by

Nov 15, 2021

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $9,547 Reduced

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 burn and struck-by hazards.  a. Starfire Corporation worksite located at 22 Main Street, Toledo, Ohio:  On or about February 23, 2019, the employer did not ensure precautions were taken to prevent the accumulation and discharge of static electricity when handling and preparing fireworks during display set-up.  Accumulation and discharge of static electricity could ignite the aerial shells and expose employees to burn and struck-by hazards.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to follow manufacturer's guidelines and company policies to guard against static electricity by wearing anti static devices and using work practices that reduce the likelihood of static electricity accumulation.

Issued

Jul 10, 2019

Abate by

Nov 15, 2021

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $11,934

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, were not provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.  a. Starfire Corporation worksite located at 22 Main Street, Toledo, Ohio:  On or about February 23, 2019, employees setting up a fire works display were wearing synthetic clothing, which could exacerbate burn hazards if exposed to hot embers.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is for employees to wear clothing as specified and permitted in NFPA-1123.