OSHA Inspection: AB SPECIALTY SILICONES, LLC

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $96,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(a): All electrical wiring and equipment was not installed in accordance with subpart S of this part:    The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition most recently occurred from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed, and used in reactor vessel R4.    a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R4 from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.    b) An electrical control panel was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location, in the area around reactor R4, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The control panel and associated components were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     c) A Baldor Agitator Motor was used in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous location on Reactor 4, between April 29, 2019, through May 3, 2019.  The Baldor Motor was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $96,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(a): All electrical wiring and equipment was not installed in accordance with subpart S of this part:     The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition most recently occurred from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed, and used in reactor vessel R5.       a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R5 from April 29, 2019, through  May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.      b) A Delta T Air Chiller Model TCAC-B230 was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around Reactor R5 and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The reactors oil heater was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.       c) An electrical control panel was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location, in the area around reactor R5, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The control panel and associated components were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.      d) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R5 between April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(a): All electrical wiring and equipment was not installed in accordance with subpart S of this part:     The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition last occurred between April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed, and used in reactor vessel R8.       a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R8 between April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     b) An electrical control panel was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location, in the area around reactor R8, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The control panel and associated components were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.  c) The wiring for a Lightnin Agitator Motor located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location on Reactor R8, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(a): All electrical wiring and equipment was not installed in accordance with subpart S of this part:     The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition most recently occurred from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed, and used in reactor vessel R9.     a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R9 from April 29, 2019 through  May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     b) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive connected to an electric pump was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R9 during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.       c) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive connected to an electrical control panel was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor R9 during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.      d) An electrical control panel was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location, in the area around reactor R9, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The control panel and associated components were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.    e) The wiring for a Philadelphia Mixer Agitator Motor located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location on Reactor R9, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(a): All electrical wiring and equipment was not installed in accordance with subpart S of this part:    The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition most recently occurred from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, where volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed, and used in reactor vessel S8.    a) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive connected to an electric pump was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around reactor S8 during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.    b) A Delta T 144kW Oil Heater Model T1999CS was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around Reactor S8 during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019.  The reactors oil heater was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.    c) The wiring for a Lightnin Agitator Motor located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location on Reactor S8, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(h)(7)(iii)(c): Locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under abnormal conditions and for a distance beyond Division 1 locations were not classified Division 2 according to the requirements of Subpart S of this part. These locations included areas within 20 feet horizontally, 3 feet vertically beyond Division 1 areas, and up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 25 feet, if indoors, or 10 feet if outdoors, from any pump, bleeder, withdrawal fitting, meter, or similar device handling Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C). Pits provided with adequate mechanical ventilation within a Division 1 or 2 area were not classified Division 2:     The employer does not classify locations where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under abnormal conditions as Division 2 according to the requirements of Subpart S.  This condition most recently occurred during the period from April 29, 2019 through  May 3, 2019, in the production area around Reactors R4, R5, R8, and R9.    a)  During the period from April 29, 2019 through  May 3, 2019, in the production area, locations around Reactors R4, R5, R8, R9 where flammable vapor-air mixtures may exist under abnormal conditions, were not classified as Division 2 according to the requirements of Subpart S.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(b): Areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations under the Class and Zone system and areas designated under the Class and Division system established after August 13, 2007 were not properly documented:     The employer does not document hazardous (classified) locations in its facility and does not maintain documentation of those areas.  This condition last occurred during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, where the hazardous (classified) locations around Reactors R4, R5, R8, R9, and Emulsion Tanks S2 and S4 were not documented.    a)  During the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, the employer did not generate or maintain documentation of hazardous (classified) locations throughout its facility.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(iv): Power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX were not used in locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases were handled, processed or used, but in which the hazardous liquids, vapors or gases would normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they could escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in the case of abnormal operation of equipment; also in locations in which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment; or in locations which are adjacent to Class I, Division 1 locations, and to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clear air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided:      a) The employer does not provide powered industrial trucks with DY, EE, or EX, designation in plant locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used.  This condition last occurred during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when a Clark C25CL (serial number C232L-0360-9856CNF) powered industrial truck with Type LP designation was used in areas where volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed and used, and were used to transport volatile flammable liquids.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,773 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(iv): Power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX were not used in locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases were handled, processed or used, but in which the hazardous liquids, vapors or gases would normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they could escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in the case of abnormal operation of equipment; also in locations in which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment; or in locations which are adjacent to Class I, Division 1 locations, and to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clear air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided:     a) The employer does not provide powered industrial trucks with DY, EE, or EX, designation in plant locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used.  This condition last occurred during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when a Clark C25CL (serial number C232L-0181-9823KF) powered industrial truck with Type LP designation was used in areas where volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed and used, and were used to transport volatile flammable liquids.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $126,781 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(iv): Power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX were not used in locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases were handled, processed or used, but in which the hazardous liquids, vapors or gases would normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they could escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in the case of abnormal operation of equipment; also in locations in which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment; or in locations which are adjacent to Class I, Division 1 locations, and to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clear air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided:      a) The employer does not provide powered industrial trucks with DY, EE, or EX, designation in plant locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used.  This condition last occurred during the period from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, when a Clark C25CL (serial number C232L-0363-9856CNF) powered industrial truck with Type LP designation was used in areas where volatile flammable liquids were handled, processed and used, and were used to transport volatile flammable liquids.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Jan 28, 2020

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $16,131 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c): Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:     The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition last occurred on May 3, 2019, when hydrogen gas was generated and handled in tank S2.     a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     b) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive connected to an electric pump was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     c) A DuraPulse Frequency Drive connected to an electric pump was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     d) A DuraPulse Frequency Drives connected to an IKA mill was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The DuraPulse Frequency Drive was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     e) The wiring for an IKA mill located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location in the area around tank S2, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     f) The wiring for a Proquip Model JL-10 agitator motor located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location on tank S2, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     g) A Hubbell Electric 30A watertight outlet was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The Hubbell Electric 30A watertight outlet was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.    h) A Hubbell Electric 30A watertight outlet was used in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S2 on May 3, 2019.  The Hubbell Electric 30A watertight outlet was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.

Issued

Oct 24, 2019

Abate by

Dec 12, 2019

Penalty

Initial $132,598 · Current $16,131 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c): Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:    The employer does not ensure that all equipment, wiring methods and installations of equipment are intrinsically safe, approved for hazardous (classified) locations or safe for use in the hazardous (classified) location.  This condition last occurred on May 3, 2019, when hydrogen gas was generated and handled in tank S4.    a) General purpose electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were used and installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S4 on May 3, 2019.  The electrical fixtures, conduit, and wiring methods were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     b) A Delta T Oil Heater Model T1075MS was installed in a Class 1 Division 2 location in the area around tank S4 on May 3, 2019.  The reactors oil heater was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     c) The wiring for a Proquip Model 1ORGX21 agitator motor located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location on tank S4, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.     d) The wiring for an IKA mill located in a Class 1 Division 2 hazardous (classified) location in the area around tank S4, and was in this location from April 29, 2019 through May 3, 2019, was not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location.