OSHA Inspection: WATCO MECHANICAL SERVICES

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $7000.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances E100M110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(2): The floor of a workroom was not maintained in a clean condition:   (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto; in the interior sandblasting building where employees were exposed to the hazards of fire, deflagration, and explosion from the accumulation of a combustible dust on the workroom floors.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7802.00 · Current $8000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(2):Each exit was not clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit":  (a) On or about April 6, 2021 in the exterior paint shop area, the exit route was not cleared marked. Employees were exposed to fire entrapment hazards.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-01-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(b)(1):When employees were subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table G-16, feasible administrative or engineering controls were not utilized:  (a) On or about April 6, 2021 a sandblasting employee was exposed to continuous noise levels at 6745.4% of the permissible 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit. The equivalent level of 6745.4% is approximately 120.3 dBA. Sampling was performed for 174 minutes during one shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the 306 minutes not sampled;  (b) On or about April 6, 2021 a sandblasting employee was exposed to continuous noise levels at 3759.6% of the permissible 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit. The equivalent level of 3759.6% is approximately 116.1 dBA. Sampling was performed for 168 minutes during one shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the 312 minutes.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(h)(3)(iii):Self-contained breathing apparatus were not inspected monthly, maintained in a fully charged state, recharged when the pressure falls to 90% and the employer did not determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto; employees were delegated in the employer's permit required confined space program  to perform permit required confined space rescue inside of railcars and tank cars. Self contained apparatus's (Sperian/ Survivair EB-5, EB-10, 5HF) that were supplied for the response were not maintained. Inadequate respiratory protection during a response could result in oxygen deficiency, asphyxiation and chemical inhalation hazards.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(i)(1)(ii):Breathing air did not meet requirements for Grade D breathing air as described in the ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification G-7.1-1989:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto; in the interior sandblasting and exterior spray painting areas employees were provided with a Bullard- CC20 20TICN/20TICNT Supplied Air Paint Hood, a 3M- 6898 Supplied Air Respirator, a RPB- Nova 2000 Supplied Air Blast Hood, a RPB- Nova 3000 Supplied Air Blast Hood respirators that were connected to an oil based air compressor. Employees wore these supplied air respirators for protection against chemical inhalation hazards associated with the Ervin Amasteel abrasive blasting grit,  Americoat 428 PC low odor cure and Americoat 428 PCLO railcar blue resin.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(i)(5)(iv):The employer did not ensure that the person authorized to perform the necessary sorbent bed and filter changes filled out a tag indicating by the signature and date that maintenance changes were performed:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto; in the interior sandblasting and exterior spray painting areas employees were provided with a Bullard- CC20 20TICN/20TICNT Supplied Air Paint Hood, a 3M- 6898 Supplied Air Respirator, a RPB- Nova 2000 Supplied Air Blast Hood, a RPB- Nova 3000 Supplied Air Blast Hood respirators that were connected to an oil based air compressor. Employees wore these supplied air respirators for protection against chemical inhalation hazards associated with the Ervin Amasteel abrasive blasting grit, Americoat 428 PC low odor cure and Americoat 428 PCLO railcar blue resin.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7802.00 · Current $7000.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000E101M102

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.141(d)(2)(ii):Lavatories were not provided with hot and cold, or tepid running water:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto employees in the exterior paint lavatory area employees are exposed to unsanitary chemical skin contact hazards and communicable disease hazards.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9000E101M102

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(C): Before an employee entered a space, the internal atmosphere was not tested with a calibrated direct-reading instrument for oxygen, flammable gases and vapors and potential toxic air contaminants:   The internal atmosphere was not tested with a calibrated direct-reading instrument  for oxygen, flammable gases and vapors and potential toxic air contaminants for the following permit required confined spaces:   (a) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto employees working in the interior blasting shop in AOKX90122 railcar and were assigned duties such as performing abrasive blasting and cleanup activities. Employees were exposed to hazards associated with working in a railcar while performing abrasive blasting operations such as but not limited to: combustible dust hazards, asphyxiation hazards (oxygen deficiency), and  inhalation hazards associated with respirable crystalline silica.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(k)(2)(iv):The employer did not ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto: throughout the plant, no simulated rescue operations were provided by the employer when employees entered the permitted spaces.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7802.00 · Current $7000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.151(c):Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto; employees in the exterior paint shop were working with corrosive chemicals including but not limited to: PPG Amercoat 428PC Low Odor Cure, PPG Americoat 399, Amercoat 399 BAS Hopper Gray.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(e)(2)(i):Crane(s) were not provided with bridge bumpers or other automatic means providing equivalent effect:  (a) On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto employees in the repair building 2 the employer did not ensure that  the 15 ton stewart crane were equipped with bridge bumpers or automatic means providing equivalent effect. Employees are exposed to struck-by and crushe-by hazards.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(j)(4)(ii):Crane(s) which were idle for a period of over six months were not given a complete inspection conforming with 1910.179(j)(2), 1910.179(j)(3), and 1910.179(m)(2) before being placed into service:  On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto the employer did not ensure that a complete inspection of all cranes was performed at l  Employees were exposed to struck by and crushed by hazards in the following areas:   (a) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane; (b) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane; (b) Repair building 2: 15 ton overhead Stewart crane.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(l)(3)(i):Unsafe condition(s) disclosed during the frequent or periodic inspection(s) required by 29 CFR 1910.179(j) were not corrected before operation of the crane(s) was resumed:  On or about April 5, 2021 and times prior thereto the employer did not ensure that all of the unsafe conditions disclosed during the  complete inspection of all cranes had been corrected before operation cranes was resumed.  Employees were exposed to struck by and crushed by hazards in the following areas:   (a) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane; (b) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane; (b) Repair building 2: 15 ton overhead Stewart crane.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(m)(1):A thorough inspection of all ropes were not being made at least once a month:  (a) On or about April 5, 2012, the employer did not ensure that a thorough inspection of all ropes was performed at least once a month on all overhead cranes and hoists.  Employees were exposed to struck by and crushed by hazards in the following areas:  (a) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane and hoist; (b) Repair building 1: 15 ton overhead American crane and hoist; (b) Repair building 2: 15 ton overhead Stewart crane hoist.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $7000.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) respirable fraction and total dust listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of (5 milligrams per cubic meter of air):  (a) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable fraction) at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 9.15 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.83 times 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 190 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 290 minutes;   (b) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable fraction) at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 5.54 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.1 times 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 195 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 285 minutes.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-01-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9130

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):  (a) A sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to  particulates not other wise regulated, crystalline quartz (respirable) at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 13.75 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 68.75 times 0.2 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 155 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 325 minutes.   (b) A sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to silica, crystalline quartz (respirable) at an eight-hour time-weighted average 3.1 milligrams per cubic meter of air approximately 16.3 times 0.189 milligrams per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 145 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 335 minutes.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $8000.00 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) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to respirable crystalline silica at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, approximately 19.79 times 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 190 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 290 minutes;   (b) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable fraction) at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air, approximately  14.6 times 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 195 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 285 minutes.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

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:  (a) The employer not determine if any sandblaster employees may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level. Sandblaster employees were assigned to perform sandblasting operations on railcars and hopper cars. Personal air monitoring indicated that employee(s) were exposed to airborne crystalline silica concentrations of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air which exceeded the action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air  by approximately 39.5 and 29.25 times respectively.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(f)(1):The employer did not use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible:  (a) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to respirable crystalline silica at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, approximately 19.79 times 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 190 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 290 minutes;   (b) On or about April 6, 2021 and times prior thereto; a sandblaster employee was performing sandblasting operations and was exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable fraction) at an eight-hour time-weighted average of 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air, approximately  14.6 times 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Sampling was performed for 195 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 285 minutes.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(f)(2)(i)(A):The exposure control plan did not contain a  description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica:  (a) The employer's exposure control plan did not contain a description of the abrasive blasting tasks in the workplace that involves exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Employees in the interior blasting building were assigned to performing sandblasting operations on railcars and hopper cars. Personal air monitoring indicated that employee(s) were exposed to airborne crystalline silica concentrations of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air which exceeded the permissible exposure limit (PEL)  of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air by approximately 19.79 and 14.6 times respectively.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $8000.00 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:  (a) The employer did not establish a regulated area for employee(s) exposed to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Personal air monitoring conducted at the workplace showed that employee(s) were exposed to airborne concentrations of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air which exceeded the PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air by 39.5 and 29.25 times respectively. This limit is established to prevent silicosis and lung cancer. Employee(s) were assigned duties such as but not limited to sandblasting railcars and hopper cars.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(2): The employer did not post signs at all entrances to regulated areas that bear the following legend: DANGER, RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA, MAY CAUSE CANCER, CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS, WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY:   (a) The employer not post the following warning signs DANGER- RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA-MAY CAUSE CANCER-CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS- WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA- AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY, at the entrance of the  interior sandblasting building where the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) were exceeded. Personal air monitoring conducted at the workplace showed that employee(s) were exposed to airborne concentrations of 989 micrograms per cubic meter of air, 731.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air which exceeded the PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air by 19.79 and 14.6 times respectively. This limit is established to prevent silicosis and lung cancer.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

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 each employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who has been occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year:  (a) The employer did not institute a medical surveillance program for all employee(s) who were exposed respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 days per year. Personal air monitoring indicated that two employees were exposed to airborne respirable crystalline silica concentrations which exceeded the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). This limit is established to prevent silicosis and lung cancer. Employees were assigned duties such as but not limited to sandblasting operations.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(j)(3)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee covered by this section could demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following: (a) the health hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica; (b) specific tasks in the workplace that could result in exposure to respirable crystalline silica; (c) specific measures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including engineering controls, work practices, and respirators to be used; (d) the contents of this section; and, (e) the purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (i) of this section:  (a) The employer did not assure that employee(s) with airborne exposures to respirable crystalline silica in excess of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) received trained in accordance to the requirements listed in sections 1910.1053(j)(3)(i)(A) -(E). Employees were assigned duties such as but not limited to sandblasting operations.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9753.00 · Current $8000.00 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):  (a) The employer did not assure that employee(s) with airborne exposures to respirable crystalline silica in excess of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) were not trained in accordance to the requirements listed in sections 1910.1053(j)(3)(i)(A) -(E). Employees were assigned duties such as but not limited to sandblasting operations.

Issued

2021-08-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-23 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1053(j)(3)(i): 29 CFR 1910.1053(j)(3)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee covered by this section could demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following requirements listed in section 1910.1053(j)(3)(i)(A) -(E):    (a) The employer did not assure that employee(s) with airborne exposures to respirable crystalline silica in excess of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) were not trained in accordance to the requirements listed in sections 1910.1053(j)(3)(i)(A) -(E). Employees were assigned duties such as but not limited to sandblasting operations.