OSHA Inspection: NORTHEASTERN NONWOVENS, INC.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level was protected from falling:     Instance a. Line #1, Thibeau Machine - On or about February 5, 2020, employees engaged in maintenance and cleaning procedures while standing on the top of the machine were exposed to fall hazards where fall protection means were not provided or utilized to prevent falls of over 7 feet.     Instance b. Line #2, Thibeau Machine - On or about February 5, 2020, employees engaged in maintenance and cleaning procedures while standing on the top of the machine were exposed to fall hazards where fall protection means were not provided or utilized to prevent falls of over 11 feet.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section.     a. Facility - On or about February 5, 2020, the employer failed to develop and implement and enforce the use of specific energy control procedures which specifically outlined steps for each piece of machinery that the employees were assigned lockout tag out duties.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.    a. Facility - On or about February 5, 2020, the employer failed to conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedures at least annually, where all essential procedures were not included to protect employees from hazards associated with lockout/tagout.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A):  At this establishment, the employer had not provided training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees:     Instance a. Line #1, Thibeau Machine - On or about January 31, 2020, employees assigned lockout/tagout duties were not adequately trained to ensure that they understood the hazards associated with lockout/tag out and what means were necessary to minimize or eliminate these hazards.     Instance c. line #1, Asselin machine - On or about January 31, 2020, employees assigned lockout/tagout duties were not adequately trained to ensure that they understood the hazards associated with lockout/tag out and what means were necessary to minimize or eliminate these hazards.    Instance b. Line #2, Thibeau Machine - On or about January 31, 2020, employees assigned lockout/tagout duties were not adequately trained to ensure that they understood the hazards associated with lockout/tag out,and what means were necessary to minimize or eliminate these hazards.    Instance d. Line #2, Birch Brother Wind up & Slitters Machine - On or about January 31, 2020, employees assigned lockout/tagout duties were not adequately trained to ensure that they understood the hazards associated with lockout/tag out and what means were necessary to minimize or eliminate these hazards.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(6): Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee did not verify tha isolation and de-energization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished:    Instance a. Line #2, Thibeau Machine - On or about January 31, 2020, an authorized employee did not verify isolation, de-energization and lockout/tagout of all energy sources prior to allowing the maintenance procedures to begin.       Instance b. Line #2, Birch Brother Wind up & Slitters Machine - On or about January 31, 2020, an authorized employee did not verify isolation, de-energization and lockout/tagout of all energy sources prior to allowing the maintenance procedures to begin.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, shall be protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafting completely or by a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting as location requires:    Instance a. line #1, Asselin machine - On or about February 5, 2020, employees were exposed to amputation hazards, where two rotating shafts were not covered or guarded to prevent the hazards.     Instance b. Line #1, Thibeau machine - On or about February 5, 2020, employees were exposed to amputation hazards, where the 7 inch rotating shaft was not covered or guarded to prevent the hazards.     Instance c. Line #2, Thibeau machine - On or about February 5, 2020, employees were exposed to amputation hazards, where the 7 inch rotating shaft was not covered or guarded to prevent the hazards.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $2,313 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 PSI:     a. Facility - On or about February 5, 2020, the compressed air utilized for cleaning purposes was set at 120 psi.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour:  a. Facility shop area - On or about January 31, 2020, the oxygen and gas cylinders attached to the cutting torch dolly were not separated by a noncombustible barrier or by distance when in storage.

Issued

May 1, 2020

Abate by

May 7, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were used for purposes prohibited by subparagraphs (a) through (e) of this paragraph:  a. Facility - On or about January 31, 2020, Posenthal Sheeter, power source was a flexible extension cord hanging from the ceiling and was not permanently wired.