OSHA Inspection: SAULO'S GRANITE, LLC

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,314 Reduced

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): The employer did not administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.9(c) through (o) whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale, or equivalently a dose of fifty percent:    a)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 90.9 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. A hearing conservation program had not been implemented.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 93.1 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. A hearing conservation program had not been implemented.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(1): When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceed the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:    a)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 90.9 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. An annual audiometric testing program was not maintained.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 93.1 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. An annual audiometric testing program was not maintained.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1): The employer did not establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided by 29 CFR 1910.95(g) by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels:    a)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 90.9 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. An annual audiometric testing program was not maintained.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 93.1 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. An annual audiometric testing program was not maintained.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1): The employer did not train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.95(k):    a)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 90.9 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA.Noise training was not conducted.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA- On or about January 22, 2020, and times prior to, in the fabrications area, employee's polishing granite counter tops was exposed to noise at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 93.1 dBA, exceeding the action level of 85 dBA. Noise training was not conducted.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

May 28, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,649 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(i): Selection of appropriate respirators was not based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker was exposed and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability:  a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16-January 22, 2020, employees in the fabrication area were wearing a 3M tight fitting half mask respirators with an organic vapor and HEPA cartridge for protection against silica dust. Employees were exposed to silica dust in excess of the protection factors of the respirators.    b) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 22, 2020, employees in the polishing area were wearing a dust mask for protection against silica dust.  Employees were exposed to silica in excess of the protection factor of the respirator.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(g)(2): Where respirator use is required by this section, the employer did not institute a respiratory protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, the employer had not developed a written respiratory protection program for the following employees:    a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA-  - On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.      b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.      c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.      d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.      e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.      f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,314 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees dry grinding granite counter tops were provided and required to wear tight fitting half mask respirators for protection against silica dust. A medical evaluation was not performed prior to requiring employees to wear the respirators.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(1): The employer shall ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as stated in this paragraph.    a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were required to wear a 3M tight fitting half mask respirators with an organic vapor and HEPA cartridge for protection against silica dust. Fit testing was not performed prior to requiring employees to wear the respirators.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 22, 2020, employees were required to wear dust mask for protection against silica dust. Fit testing was not performed prior to requiring employees to wear the respirators.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(i)(1)(i):The employer did not  make medical surveillance available at no cost to the employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who will be occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year.    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not provide medical surveillance for employees exposed to respirable silica above the action level for 30 or more days:    a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA -  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.      b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.      c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.      d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.      e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.      f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1)(i): Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee were not cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were wearing a 3M tight fitting half mask respirators with an organic vapor and HEPA cartridge for protection against silica. Respirators were stored on the tables and shelves in the dry fabrication area and were not cleaned or maintained in a sanitary condition.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i): Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or  were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were wearing a 3M tight fitting half mask respirators with an organic vapor and HEPA cartridge for protection against silica. Respirators were stored on the tables and shelves in the dry fabrication area.  Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1): The employer shall ensure that each employee who are required to use respirators has been properly trained:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were wearing a 3M tight fitting half mask respirators with an organic vapor and HEPA cartridge for protection against silica. Adequate respirator training had not been conducted or documented in that employees were wearing a dust mask under the half mask respirator for added protection that interfered with the sealing surface of the respirator.  Another employee put paper towels in the half mask respirator for additional protection against silica dust.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,084 · Current $1,850 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(d)(1): The employer did not assess the exposure of each employee who was or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level in accordance with either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2) or the scheduled monitoring option in paragraph (d)(3) of this section:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees are required to dry grind/buff and polish granite counter tops that contains silica. The employer had not conducted monitoring to determine employees exposure to respirable crystalline silica are below the action level.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,314 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(e)(1): The employer did not establish a regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica was, or could have been reasonably expected to be, in excess of the PEL:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were required to dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops that contains respirable silica. The employer had not established a regulated area while polishing/buffing, in that, the silica dust cloud generated from dry polishing was being released into the production area. The employer did not establish an adequate regulated area (signage, demarcation, and containment of dust):    a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA-  - On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.      b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.      c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.      d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.      e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.      f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.      In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(f)(2)(I): The employer did not ensure develop a written Exposure Control Program (ECP) was developed:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020 and times prior to, the employer had not developed a written exposure control plan (ECP):    a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA-  - On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.      b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.      c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.      d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry polishing and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.      e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.      f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(h)(1): The employer allowed dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica and wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure were feasible and/or allowed the use of compressed air to clean, without the use of a ventilation system that effectively captures the dust cloud created by the compressed air:    a)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were required to dry fabricate and polish granite counter tops that contains greater than 50% silica. The employer allowed dry sweeping to clean the floors creating silica dust.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,314 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(1): The employer did not include respirable crystalline silica in the program established to comply with the hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200):      Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were exposed to chemicals such as, but are not limited to, granite counter tops (contains silica).  Information and training under the new globally harmonized system (GHS) such as, but not limited to task in the workplace that generate respirable silica dust hazards, measures used to protect employees from exposures to respirable crystalline silica hazards, work practice controls, respirators, medical surveillance program (Cancer, lung effects, immune system effects, and kidney effects), and engineering controls had not been conducted.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, employees were exposed to chemicals such as, but are not limited to, granite counter tops (contains silica), acetone, liquid epoxy, polyester flowing transparent, hardener paste, and propane.  The employer had not developed a written hazard communication program.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1): Employers did not have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were exposed to chemicals such as, but are not limited to, granite counter tops (contains silica), acetone, liquid epoxy, polyester flowing transparent, hardener paste, and propane.  The employer had not developed a written hazard communication program. Safety Data Sheets were not available.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Jul 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(iv): Employees had not been provided with GHS 2012 training including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system to be used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information, and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information:    Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, employees were exposed to chemicals such as, but are not limited to, granite counter tops (contains silica), acetone, liquid epoxy, polyester flowing transparent, hardener paste, and propane.  Information and training under the new globally harmonized system (GHS) such as, but not limited to labeling system, and written hazard communication program had not been conducted.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Aug 18, 2020

Penalty

Initial $67,469 · Current $40,481 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(c): The employer did not ensure that no employee was exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica in excess of 50 ug/m3, calculated as an 8-hour TWA:  a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA-  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.    c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.    d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.    e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.    f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA  On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.

Issued

May 15, 2020

Abate by

Aug 18, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(f)(1): The employer did not ensure engineering and work practice controls are present and appropriate, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible:  Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA - On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not ensure work practice controls such as, but not limited to, the use of water to control dust and/or the positioning of local exhaust hoods to prevent exposures to silica dust:   a) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA-  - On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 2690 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 53.8 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 315 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 165 minutes not sampled.    b)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA ? On or about January 16, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,875 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 37.5 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 180 minutes not sampled.    c) Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA ? On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 3,152 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 63 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 369 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 111 minutes not sampled.    d)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA ? On or about January 22, 2020, an employee dry grinding and dry buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 1,835 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 36.7 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 367 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 113 minutes not sampled.    e)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA ? On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 367.5 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 7.4 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 360 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 120 minutes not sampled.    f)Saulo's Granite, LLC, Stone Mountain, GA ? On or about January 22, 2020, an employee polishing and buffing granite counter tops was exposed to respirable silica levels of 109.7 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), 2.2 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ug/m3. The exposure was derived from a sample taken over 329 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the 151 minutes not sampled.  General methods of control applicable in theses circumstances include, but are not limited to the following:  Abatement Schedule Step 1 -   A written detailed plan of abatement shall be submitted to the Area Director outlining a schedule for the implementation of engineering and/or administrative measures to control employee exposures to hazardous substances as referenced in this citation. This plan shall include, at a minimum, target dates for the following actions which must be consistent with the abatement dates required by this citation: (1)  Evaluation of engineering/administrative control options; (2)  Selection of optimum control methods and completion of design; (3)  Procurement, installation and operation of selected control measures;  (4)  Testing and acceptance or modification/redesign of controls.  All proposed control measures shall be approved for each particular use by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified person. 90-day progress reports are required during the abatement period.  Step 2: Abatement shall have been completed by the implementation of feasible engineering and /or administrative controls upon verification of their effectiveness in achieving compliance.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.