OSHA Inspection: HUMIC GROWTH SOLUTIONS, INC.

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Abate by

Oct 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $9,557 · Current $3,823 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(2):Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees entered:  a.  SM-10 Processing Tank Area: On or about 7/26/2021 and at times prior, the employer exposed employees to an asphyxiant hazard in that the employer had not  identified and evaluated all the hazards of the SM-10 processing tank, such as but not limited to the presence of ammonia.  Employees preparing to enter a permit required confined space did not have testing and monitoring equipment for ammonia nor proper personal protective equipment.

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $9,557 · Current $3,823 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(9): The employer did not develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and/or for preventing unauthorized entry:  a.  At the manufacturing facility: On or about 8/4/2021 and at times prior, the employer exposed employees to engulfment hazards in that emergency equipment for rescue was not setup for employees entering permit required confined space to perform cleaning activities, repair and service, and the employer had not made arrangements with a prospective rescue service in the event of emergency rescue.

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $5,461 · Current $2,184 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.  Batch Tank Area: On or about 8/4/2021, the employer exposed employees to chemical burns in that the eye-wash/shower station at the location was not operational and there was no suitable facilities for quick drenching of eyes and body for employees performing manufacturing work with corrosive dry-solid potassium hydroxide (KOH).

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $5,461 · Current $2,184 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.184(c)(1): Sling(s) that were damaged or defective were used:  a.  At the manufacturing area: On or about 8/4/2021 and at times prior, the employer exposed employees to struck-by hazards in that a visibly frayed round polyester sling (S/N: TFW24545-052, Capacity: 6,700 lbs.-choker, 16,800 lbs.- basket) was allowed to be used by forklifts and LULL operators to move heavy equipment in the facility.

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Abate by

Oct 22, 2021

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(f)(1): The entry permit that documented compliance and authorized entry to a permit space did not identify the permit space to be entered:  a.  At the manufacturing facility: On or about 8/4/2021 and at times prior, the employer failed to identify the space to be entered in the Entry Permit for the confined space.

Issued

Sep 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:  a. Blending Tank Area: On or about 8/4/2021, the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards in that a junction box enclosure for the operation of blending tank #2 was missing a cover.