OSHA Inspection: KYOEI STEEL AMERICA LLC

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by hazards.  Melt Shop: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer failed to inspect the Skid Steer loader (JCB Model 330) and have all systems in good operational condition.  The windshield was damaged, cracked and broken.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or crushing injuries such as but not limited broken bones.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $11396.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.23(c)(11): The employer did not ensure that portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface that have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface.  Cold Sheer Area: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure employees accessing the top of stacked rebar used a ladder that extended at least 3 feet above the landing.  This condition exposed employees to a fall hazard above 7-feet.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.106(e)(6)(ii): Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 degree F (37.8 degree C), were dispensed into containers without the containers being electrically interconnected:  Refuel Point: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure the refuel point (Class 1 fuel) was grounded.  This condition exposed employees to burn and explosion hazards.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(f)(2): Employee(s) using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator were not annually fit tested:   Bag House:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure employees wearing respirators during work had completed a fit test.  This condition exposed employees to death and health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, and/or respiratory cancer in the following instances:  1)  Melt Shop Furnace employees wearing respirators during work were not fit tested.  2) Bag House Duct Cleaning Area employees wearing respirators during work were not fit tested.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A): Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure employees wearing respirators during work were clean shaven around the sealing surface on respirators worn during work processes.  This condition exposed employees to death and health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, and/or respiratory cancer in the following instances:  1) Melt Shop Furnaces   2) Bag House Duct Cleaning Areas

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(l)(1): Evaluations of the workplace were not conducted to ensure the written respiratory protection program was being effectively implemented:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure workplace evaluations of the Respiratory Protection Program were conducted to ensure it was effectively implemented.  This condition exposed employees to death and health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, and/or respiratory cancer in the following instances:

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.  Roll Shop: On October 18, 2021, the employer did not ensure employee(s) engaged in welding/heating/cutting operations were wearing appropriate gloves for the hazard.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

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:  Melting Shop: On or about October 28, 2021, The employer did not ensure employees entering Furnaces #1 and #2 to conduct maintenance had practiced rescue operations at least once in the past 12 months.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, respiratory cancer.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D): Each authorized employee did not affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device before working on the machine or equipment:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure employees entering the arc furnaces #1 & #2 to conduct maintenance affix a personal lock to the group lockout device before entering.  This condition exposed employees to the unexpected energization or start up of the furnaces, or release of stored energy such as but not limited electrical and thermal/heat energy.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.157(c)(4): Portable fire extinguishers were not maintained in a fully charged and operable condition:  On or about October 28, 2021, employees were exposed to death, 2nd and 3rd degree burns and/or inhalation hazards because the employer did not ensure fire extinguishers were maintained in a fully charged and operable condition in the following areas:  1) Truck Shop: The fire extinguisher was empty.  2) Machine Shop: The fire extinguisher was found with a broken handle/pin and not fully operational.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $11396.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.157(g)(3): Employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of the emergency action plan were not provided training in the use of the appropriate equipment:  Inside the plant: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure that employees required to use a fire extinguisher had been trained to do so.  This condition exposed employees to death, 2nd and 3rd degree burns and/or inhalation hazards.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.253(e)(3)(ii)(C)(2): Back flow protection was not provided by an approved device that would prevent oxygen from flowing into the fuel gas system or fuel from flowing into the oxygen system:  On or about October 18, 2021, the employer did not ensure back flow protection was installed on the gas system.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or 2nd and 3rd degree burns in the following instances:   1) Roll and Bearing Shop back flow protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.   2) Rolling Mill back flow protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.   3) Fabrication Shop back flow protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.253(e)(3)(ii)(C)(3): Flashback protection was not provided by an approved device that would prevent flame from passing into the fuel gas system:  On or about October 18, 2021, the employer did not ensure flashback protection was installed on the gas system.  This condition exposed employees to death or 2nd and 3rd degree burns in the following instances:   1) Roll and Bearing Shop flashback protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.   2) Rolling Mill flashback protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.   3) Fabrication Shop flashback protection was not provided, torches were found to be without safety devices.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $11396.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.269(v)(4)(ii): Fences, screens, partitions, or walls did not enclose the rooms and other spaces so as to minimize the possibility that unqualified persons will enter.  Rolling Mill Sub Station: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure the large rolling mill metal doors (labeled "Danger - High Voltage" "Danger Do Not Enter - Authorized Personnel Only") leading out into the electrical Sub Station (13.9 KV/480v) was secure as to minimize access from unqualified personnel. This condition exposed employees to death, 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical arcs.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13674.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(e)(1)(ii): Electric equipment was being used without identification of manufacturer and ratings such as other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure its 480v transformers were identified with markings to include but not limited to the name of the manufacturer, rated kilovolt-amperes, frequency, primary and secondary voltage. This condition exposed employees to death or 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical shock in the following instances:  1) The 480v to 208v/120v transformer in the Cane Shop did not identify the manufacturer or the transformer ratings.   2) The 480v to 208v/120v transformer in the Truck Shop did not identify the manufacturer or the transformer ratings.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(2)(i): Live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures, or other means listed under this provision:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure live electrical parts were guarded. This condition exposed employees to death or 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical shock in the following instances:   1) In the Backhouse elevator/loader area, a 110v exposed live wire (red in color) was hanging out of the electrical box within 3 to 4 inches of the elevator switches.  2) In the Machine shop area, industrial live wires (green and white) coming out of the bottom of the 480v Lathe CNC disconnect box were not guarded. The 480v panel box next to the Lathe CNC disconnect box was missing a conduit cover and thus exposing 480v live wires.  3) In the High Voltage room, the ABB circuit breaker high voltage panel door was left open with live conductors (480v) exposed.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $14502.00 · Current $10000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(a)(2)(x): Flexible cords and cables were not protected from accidental damage, as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points.  Cold Sheer Electrical Control Room: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure a 480v flat cable was protected from a pinch point. The cable was run through the bottom of the heavy metal entrance door. This condition exposed employees to death or 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical shock.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:  Crane Shop: On or about October 28, 2021, employees were exposed to 2nd or 3rd degree burns and electrical shock hazards because the employer was using flexible cords as a substitute for fixed wiring in the following instances:  1) In the Crane Shop: the two outlet receptacle box had a yellow extension cord coming out of it and being used as fixed wiring.  The outlet box was being used to power a portable drill charging station.  2) In the Crane Shop: a yellow extension cord coming out of a light switch box located near the entrance doorway was being used as fixed wiring.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9116.00 · Current $8000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(b)(1)(i): Openings through which conductors entered cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure cutout boxes, cabinets and fittings were closed. This condition exposed employees to 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical shock.  Roll Mill Area: The cabinet through which the conductors entered below the 480v feed for the north side conveyor and 480v overhead crane main disconnect was not effectively closed.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(b)(3)(i): Electrical boxes did not provide a complete enclosure for the contained conductors or cables.  Crane Shop: On or about October 28, 2021, at the supervisor's office entrance, the employer did not ensure that 110v electrical box was not provided with a complete enclosure. his condition exposed employees to 2nd and 3rd degree burns from electrical shock.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-06-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $79761.00 · Current $50000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):  Except as provided elsewhere in this section 29 CFR 1910.28, 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 is protected from falling by one or more of the systems described in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):  On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from a fall hazard in the following instances:    1) Cold Sheer Area: Employees were exposed to fall hazards in excess of 7-feet while working on top of stacked rebar without being tied-off / no railing.  2) Melting Shop: During maintenance, employees were exposed to fall hazards in excess of 20-feet to the lower level below while accessing the top of the Charge Crane via an elevated door without railing on the inside landing.  Vinton Steel, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1219485, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 8/30/17, with respect to a workplace located at 8001 Border Steel, Vinton, TX 79821.  Vinton Steel, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1367128, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 4/30/19, with respect to a workplace located at 8001 Border Steel, Vinton, TX 79821.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $79761.00 · Current $50000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was 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:   On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not provide a guard on the Cincinnati Shaper #7 machine.  This condition exposed employees to an amputation hazard.   Kyoei Steel, LTD was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1378655, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on August 21, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 8001 Border Steel Rd.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1279.00 · Current $1000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(14):Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not review the permit-required confined space program, using the canceled permits retained under 29 CFR 1910.146(e)(6) within one year:  Melting Shop: on or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure the permit-required confined space program had been reviewed within one year.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, respiratory cancer.

Issued

2022-04-14 00:00:00

Abate by

2022-05-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1279.00 · Current $1000.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(e)(1):Before entry was authorized, the employer did not document the completion of measures required by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing an entry permit:  Melting Shop: On or about October 28, 2021, the employer did not ensure entry permits were completed prior to employees entering Furnace #1 and #2.  This condition exposed employees to death and/or health hazards such as but not limited to respiratory impairment, distress, respiratory cancer.