OSHA Inspection: DURO-CHROME INDUSTRIES INC.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 3, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,789 · Current $2,500 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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by and/or splash hazards when using damaged hoist safety latch and when using an unmarked pendant control.       a) On June 13, 2019, in the molding/plating area, employees were operating three hoists including the Coffing 2-ton hoist #ET40-A, the CM shopstar 1000 pound, model 32122 hoist and the Yale 2-ton hoist to lift and dip parts weighing approximately 50-100 pounds into the plating tanks containing chromic acid solution (pH 11-12) using pendant control boxes that were not marked to indicate their function.      b) On June 13, 2019,in the chrome plating area, employees were operating hoists including Coffing 5 ton model #EC10008.04 (for tank #1) and Coffing 2 ton model # ELCET4008.3 (for tank #4) to lift and dip parts weighing approximately 100-1000 pounds into plating tanks containing chromic acid solution (pH 11-12)  using pendant control box was not marked to indicate the function.      Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct these hazards is to follow the guidelines in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.11 "Monorail and Underhung Cranes- Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings" 2010, Section 11-1.1.6 Construction and Installation, Controls. Each control actuator shall be legibly marked to indicate the function and direction of movement.       a) On June 13, 2019, in the molding/plating area, employees were operating three hoists including the Coffing 2-ton hoist #ET40-A, the CM shopstar 1000 pound, model #2122 hoist and the Yale 2-ton hoist to lift and dip parts weighing approximately 50-100 pounds into the plating tanks containing chromic acid solution (pH 11-12) using hooks that were missing the safety latch.       b)  On  June 13, 2019, in the chrome plating area, employees were operating hoists including Coffing 5 ton model #EC10008.04 (for tank #1) and Coffing 2 ton model # ELCET4008.3 (for tank #4) to lift and dip parts weighing approximately 100-1000 pounds into plating tanks containing chromic acid solution (pH 11-12)  using hooks that were missing the safety latch.    Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to follow the guidelines in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.10 "Hooks- Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks Jacks, and Slings" 2014, Section 10.1.10 Inspection, Removal, and Repair. The employer must ensure that inspections are being conducted on hooks and hooks found with damage shall be removed. Repairs shall be approved by the manufacturer or a qualified person.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $3,789 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(6)(i): Each employee less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above dangerous equipment was not protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system, unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard.    a) On July 16, 2019, Chrome Plating Area., the employer did not ensure that employee(s) were protected from falling into an approximately 10-feet deep open tank of chromic acid solution when they stood  on the  3-step elevated platform at the edge of dip tank #1  to spray water on material removed from the chromium plating tanks.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Penalty

Initial $2,273 · Current $1,800 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 Sec. 1910.6 :       a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that the compressed gas cylinders  of oxygen, acetylene and nitrogen located next to the tool room and adjacent to a walkway in the plating/molding area were secured to prevent them from falling.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,546 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CPR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii): Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), were dispensed into containers without the containers being electrically interconnected.      a) On or about June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure, that the 55-gallon drum of Acetone and the secondary container(s) were bonded when the flammable solvent was being dispensed into secondary container(s).

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 06890691

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.124(h)(4): Employees working with chromic acid were not provided with periodic examinations of their exposed body parts, especially their nostrils:     a) On or about, June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees who were exposed to chromic acid during plating operations received periodic examinations of exposed body parts, especially the nostrils. Chromic acid vapors may cause perforations in the nasal septum.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $3,031 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding were 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) On or about June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that one or more methods of machine guarding was provided on the Chas F L'Hommedieu and Sons Co. (Model Number 505VS), Serial Number (L90 109) belt sander, to protect employees from rotating parts. The guard had been removed exposing employees to nip points.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $2,273 · Current $1,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:    a) On or about June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that the work rest  on the abrasive wheel of the Dayton Commercial 8" grinder, located in the tool room, was adjusted to a maximum opening of 1/8 inches.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The Tongue Guard for the grinding machine is not to be a distance greater than 1/4"inch away from the abrasive wheel.     a) On or about June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure the tongue guard installed on a Dayton Commercial 8" grinder, located in the tool room, was adequately adjusted. The distance between the abrasive wheel and the metal housing was greater than ¼ inch.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 18, 2019

Penalty

Initial $4,546 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Where both runs of horizontal belts are seven (7) feet or less from the floor level, the guard shall extend to at least fifteen (15) inches above the belt or to a standard height, except that where both runs of a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt shall be fully enclosed in accordance with paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.          a) On July 16, 2019, in the Polishing Area, the employer did not ensure that the horizontal belt on the homemade polisher, supported by the hoist, was guarded to protect employees from in-going nip points.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $3,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(d)(2)(iv): The employer used the scheduled monitoring option, and monitoring revealed employee exposures to chromium (VI) to be above the permissible exposure limit; however, the employer did not perform periodic monitoring at least every three months:    (a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that periodic air monitoring was performed in the molding/plating and plating areas when previous monitoring revealed employee exposures exceeded the PEL.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 26, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(h)(1): A hazard was present or was likely to be present from skin or eye contact with chromium (VI); however, the employer did not provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment at no cost to employees, and/or did not ensure that employees used such clothing and equipment:    a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not require employees to wear appropriate personal protective clothing, including, but not limited to, chemical resistant aprons and chemical resistant gloves when handling parts being placed in or being taken out of the chromium dip tanks. Employees wore latex gloves.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 3, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(h)(2)(iii): Chromium (VI)-contaminated protective clothing or equipment was removed for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal; however, the employer did not ensure that it was stored and transported in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers:    a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that protective clothing or equipment contaminated with hexavalent chromium, removed for disposal, was stored in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers.  N-95 respirators and disposable gloves contaminated with hexavalent chromium were removed for disposal and placed in the open trash containers.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 26, 2019

Penalty

Initial $3,031 · Current $1,800 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(i)(3)(ii): The employer did not ensure that employees who had skin contact with chromium (VI) wash their hands and faces at the end of the work shift and/or prior to eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet:    a) On June 28, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees who have skin contact with hexavalent chromium wash their hands prior to eating, drinking.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(i)(4)(i): Employees were allowed to consume food or beverages at a worksite where chromium (VI) was present; however, the employer did not ensure that the eating and drinking areas were maintained as free as practicable of chromium (VI):     a) On June 26, 2019, the employer allowed employees to consume food or beverage in the molding/plating area at a worksite where hexavalent chromium was present and did not ensure that the eating and drinking areas were  maintained as free as practicable of hexavalent chromium.  Wipe samples taken from the molding/plating area, plating area as well as the lunch room indicated the presence of hexavalent chromium.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 26, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 06890691

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(i)(4)(ii): Employees were allowed to consume food or beverages at a worksite where chromium (VI) was present; however, the employer did not ensure that employees did not enter the eating and drinking areas with chromium (VI)-contaminated protective clothing or equipment.  a) On June 26, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees did not enter the eating and drinking areas with chromium (VI)-contaminated protective clothing or equipment. The employer did not require employees to remove any surface contamination of hexavalent chromium on their uniforms prior to entering the lunchroom where employees eat.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 26, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $4,200 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1026(l)(1): The employer did not ensure that all employees who were assigned to workplaces where there was exposure to chromium (VI) were provided with information and training as required by the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200:    a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that all employees who are exposed to hexavalent chromium were provided with information and training as required by the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. Employees exposed to hexavalent chromium were not provided information and training on the hazards associated with hexavalent chromium exposure; the purpose, selection, and use of respiratory protection and protective clothing, and measures employees can take to protect themselves.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 3, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $3,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 004006890691

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Written hazard communication program.  Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met.    a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) that would describe or include at least the following:    1) Requirement for labeling of containers of hazardous chemicals;  2) Safety Data Sheet availability;  3) Training of Employees;  4) A complete list of hazardous chemicals known to be in the workplace;  5) Methods to inform employees of the hazards on non-routine tasks; and  6) Methods to inform other employer(s) of safety data sheet availability; the labeling system and any precautionary measures to protect employees.    Employee(s) were exposed to hazardous chemicals including but not limited to Chromic Acid (containing hexavalent chromium)Chromklad L 2500 L (containing hexavalent chromium) and Acetone.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Jan 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,304 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6)(ii): Except as provided in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(7) and 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(8), the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, would provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.     a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled with the product identifier and hazards of the chemicals contained therein. The plating tanks containing hexavalent chromium in the molding/plating and plating areas were not labeled to identify the product and the hazards of the product.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.29(b)(2): Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structure members were not installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there was no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.  a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not ensure that the guardrail on the stairway in the molding/plating area was equipped with a mid-rail.

Issued

Dec 6, 2019

Abate by

Dec 26, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i): The employer did not provide respirator users with information contained in Appendix D to this section when the employer determined that any voluntary respirator use was permissible:  a) On June 13, 2019, the employer did not provide the information contained in Appendix D to employees who were permitted to use 3M N95 disposable respirators while conducting polishing and plating operations.