OSHA Inspection: STANDARD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Aug 11, 2022

Penalty

Initial $13,052 · Current $7,179 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(5)(i): Electrostatic spraying operations were not conducted with an average air velocity over the open face of the booth of at least 60 linear feet per minute, or more, depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its flammability and explosion characteristics.   Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 16, 2022 the employer did not ensure electrostatic spraying operations were conducted with an air velocity over the open face of the booth of not less than 60 linear feet per minute. Employees conducting electrostatic spraying within the Nordson Vantage FCM Booth equipped with two 6,000 CFM Modules were operating with hood-face velocities at approximately 22 and 21.5 feet per minute. Employees were exposed to hazards associated with particulates not otherwise regulated (total & respirable) and carbon black such as, but not limited to, cough, tiredness, chest pain, irritation to the upper respiratory system, and decreased pulmonary function.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Nov 14, 2022

Penalty

Initial $5,594 · Current $3,077 Reduced

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:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not provide medical evaluations to employees who were required to wear a tight fitting respirator. Employees engaged in electrostatic powder coating operations were required to wear 3M elastomeric full facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges. Employees were exposed to hazards associated with wearing a tight-fitting respirator such as, but not limited to, aggravation of pulmonary issues, such as asthma, emphysema, and aggravate claustrophobia, all contributing to negative health effects.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Nov 14, 2022

Penalty

Initial $13,052 · Current $7,179 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(f)(2):Employee(s) using tight-fitting facepiece respirators were not fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not fit test those employees who were required to wear tight fitting respirators. Employees engaged in electrostatic powder coating operations were required to wear 3M elastomeric full facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges. Employees were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black at eight-hour time weighted averages above the permissible exposure limits (PEL). Hazards associated with exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black above the PEL include: irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Nov 14, 2022

Penalty

Initial $13,052 · Current $7,179 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135

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:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not ensure employees who were required to wear tight fitting full-face elastomeric respirators were clean shaven. Employees were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black at eight-hour time weighted averages above the permissible exposure limits (PEL) due to facial hair interfering with the sealing surface between the facepiece and face. Hazards associated with exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black above the PEL include: irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Nov 14, 2022

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(g)(1)(ii):Corrective glasses, goggles or other personal protective equipment were worn in a manner that interfered with the seal of the respirator facepiece:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer permitted employees to wear personal protective equipment in a manner that interfered with the seal of a respirator facepiece to the face of the user. Employees were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black at eight-hour time weighted averages above the permissible exposure limits (PEL) due to the hood of the Tyvek suit interfering with the sealing surface between the facepiece and face. Hazards associated with exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black above the PEL include: irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Aug 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 052791309135

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:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not ensure employees stored respirators in a manner to protect them from contamination and dust when not in use. A 3M full-face elastomeric respirator was observed lying face down on a cart outside of the Nordson Vantage FCM booth. Employees were exposed to hazards associated with particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black settling inside the respirator such as, but not limited to, irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Nov 14, 2022

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k):The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable training which did not occur annually and/or more often if necessary:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not provide effective training to employees who are required to wear tight-fitting full-face elastomeric respirators. Employees engaged in electrostatic powder coating operations were required to wear 3M elastomeric full facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges. Employees were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black at eight-hour time weighted averages above the permissible exposure limits (PEL). Hazards associated with exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black above the PEL include: irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Penalty

Initial $11,188 · Current $6,152 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135B101

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:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes where employees are exposed to corrosive chemicals. Employees performing electrostatic powder coating in the Nordson Vantage FCM Booth were exposed to hazards associated with corrosive materials in that employees work with and handle High Chemical Res. Black Epoxy.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Aug 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $11,188 · Current $6,152 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i., nor was effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment used:   Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not ensure the compressed air lines located at the Nordson Vantage FCM Booth were equipped with chip guarding and operated at less than 30 p.s.i. Employees utilizing cut off compressed air lines to blow down electrostatic powder within the booth as well as themselves when exiting the booth were exposed to hazards such as, but not limited to, increased particulate matter for inhalation, debris in the eyes, or potentially air embolism.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Apr 17, 2023

Penalty

Initial $13,052 · Current $7,179 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1000(a)(2):Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of  particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not ensure employees were protected from exposure to particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust & respirable) and carbon black at concentrations above OSHA's recommended permissible exposure limits averaged over an eight hour period. Employees were exposed to inhalation hazards from particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black when engaged in electrostatic powder coating operations such as, but not limited to, irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.    Instance A  On March 10, 2022 an employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 227.06 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust), approximately 15 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 472-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.   Instance B  On March 10, 2022 an employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 478.43 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust), approximately 31 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 425-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 55 minutes.   Instance C  On March 10, 2022 an employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 12.3 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable dust), approximately 2.5 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 430-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 50 minutes.   Instance D  On March 10, 2022 an employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 9.9 mg/m3 for carbon black, approximately 2.8 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 3.5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 472-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.  Instance E  On March 10, 2022 an employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 34.4 mg/m3 for carbon black, approximately 9.8 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 3.5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 425-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 55 minutes.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Apr 17, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 052791309135

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):  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust & respirable) and carbon black. Employees were exposed to hazards associated with elevated exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black such as, but not limited to, irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.    Instance A  On March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust). An employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 227.06 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust), approximately 15 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 472-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.   Instance B  On March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust). An employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 478.43 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (total dust), approximately 31 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 425-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 55 minutes.   Instance C  On March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable). An employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 12.3 mg/m3 for particulates not otherwise regulated (respirable dust), approximately 2.5 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 430-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 50 minutes.   Instance D  On March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to carbon black. An employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 9.9 mg/m3 for carbon black, approximately 2.8 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 3.5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 472-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 8 minutes.  Instance E  On March 10, 2022 the employer did not implement adequate engineering or administration controls to reduce employees' exposures to carbon black. An employee engaged in electrostatic powder coating was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 34.4 mg/m3 for carbon black, approximately 9.8 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 3.5 mg/m3. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 425-minute sampling period, with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 55 minutes.

Issued

Jul 20, 2022

Abate by

Sep 12, 2022

Penalty

Initial $13,052 · Current $7,179 Reduced

Hazardous substances 052791309135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(1):Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  Standard Technologies, LLC located at 2641 Hayes Avenue in Fremont, Ohio 43420:  On or about March 10, 2022 the employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area. Employees engaged in electrostatic powder coating operations were exposed to particulates not otherwise regulated (total and respirable) and carbon black at eight-hour time weighted averages above the permissible exposure limits (PEL). Hazards associated with exposures to particulates not otherwise regulated and carbon black above the PEL include: irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and upper respiratory system, decreased pulmonary function and myocardial dystrophy.