OSHA Inspection: THORWORKS INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Apr 1, 2020

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $3,646 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0700

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii): The employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; including a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazards and identification of the contaminant's chemical state and physical form:       a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to evaluate the workplace for exposures to airborne contaminants. Employees were exposed to hazards from coal tar pitch and benzene while chipping/cleaning out the coal tar pitch storage tanks.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Apr 1, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0320

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1028(e)(1)(i): Determinations of employee exposure were not made from breathing zone air samples which were representative of each employee's average exposure to airborne benzene:     a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to evaluate the workplace for exposures to airborne benzene. Employees were exposed to hazards from benzene while chipping/cleaning the coal tar pitch storage tanks out.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Aug 27, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $3,646 Reduced

Hazardous substances 03200700

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A): Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:       a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to ensure employees who were required to wear tight-fitting half mask respirators were clean shaven.  Employees were exposed to hazards from coal tar pitch and benzene while chipping/cleaning out the coal tar pitch storage tanks.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 03200700

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1): The employer did not provide respirator training that ensured that each employee could demonstrate knowledge of at least the following elements: Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are; How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator; What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator, and How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators:    a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to provide training on the necessity of a respirator, how to recognize the limitations and capabilities of a respirator, and how to inspect and maintain a respirator to employees who were required to wear half face respirators while chipping/cleaning out the coal tar pitch storage tanks.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $7,293 · Current $3,646 Reduced

Hazardous substances 03200700

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(l)(1): Evaluations of the workplace were not conducted to ensure the written respiratory protection program was being effectively implemented:     a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to ensure the respiratory protecting program was implemented.  Employees who were required to wear respirators while chipping/cleaning the coal tar pitch storage tanks out were not evaluated to ensure that the respiratory protection program was being implemented properly.

Issued

Aug 2, 2019

Abate by

Aug 27, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(m)(2)(ii): Fit test records were not retained for respirator users until the next fit test was administered:   a.) On or about March 13, 2019, the employer failed to retain fit test records of employees who were required to wear tight-fitting half mask respirators.  Employees were required to wear respirators while chipping/cleaning out the coal tar pitch storage tanks.