OSHA Inspection: ARIZONA TRADERS CO.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,394 · Current $6,697 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  On or about September 12, 2022, employees were exposed to fire/inhalation hazards in that the establishment's main entrance/exit route was obstructed by two refrigerators and a metal storage cabinet.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,394 · Current $6,697 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.101(b): The in plant handling, storage, and unitization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tank cars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks were not in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1963-1965.   On or about September 12, 2022, Oxygen tanks were not properly stored. The condition exposed employees to struck-by and explosion/fire hazards in the following instances:  1) On the south wall of the Main Work Area, three Oxygen tanks were approximately 1 ft. away from spark producing equipment (Rectifier and DC Power Supply used in the electroplating process).  2) In the east corner of the Main Work Area, two Oxygen tank were observed on the floor next to three fire extinguishers and approximately 3 ft. from an Acetylene tank (flammable gas).  3) In the Plating Room there were two Carbon Dioxide Tanks next to a blue container with the label that read oxidizer (severe fire hazard).

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.102(a): In-plant transfer, handling, storage, and/or use of acetylene in cylinders did not comply with the provisions of CGA Pamphlet G-1-2008 ("Acetylene"):   On or about September 12, 2022, in the Main Work Area, Acetylene and Oxygen cylinders were stored next to each other, without barrier. This condition exposed employees to struck-by and fire hazards.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $7,813 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of eye and face protection. This condition exposed employees to workplace hazards such as but not limited to serve eye damage and loss of vision.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $7,813 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): Eye and face protection. General requirements.  The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.  In the Main Work Areas, employees were exposed to flying metal particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors and were not wearing any form of eye protection in the following areas:  1) September 12, 2022, in the Main Work Room four (4) employees performing jewelry setting operations using Fiberglass Resin were observed not wearing eye protection.   2) September 16, 2022, in the Main Work Room one (1) employee performing jewelry setting operations using Fiberglass Resin was observed wearing prescription eyewear that was not American National Standards Institute (ANSI-87) rated safety eyewear.   3) September 16, 2022, in the Polishing Area one (1) employee performing polishing / grinding operations was observed wearing prescription eyewear that was not American National Standards Institute (ANSI-87) rated safety eyewear.   4) September 16, 2022, in the Main Work Room two (2) employees performing jewelry setting operations using Fiberglass Resin were observed wearing prescription eyewear that was not American National Standards Institute (ANSI-87) rated safety eyewear.  5) On September 16, 2022, in the exterior rear fenced area of the facility one (1) employee performing cleaning operations was observed not wearing eye protection.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $7,813 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(c)(1): The employer did not establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures in any workplace where respirators were necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators were required by the employer:   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure that a written respiratory protection program was established and implemented for those employees involved in the following operations such as but not limited to:  a) Plating and dipping process.  b) Mixing chemicals.  c) Jewelry making.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees wearing respirators were provided a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator while working with and around hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to nitric acid, muriatic acid 22deg., hydrochloric acid, copper sulfate, phosphoric acid, 85% ACS, surf-n ammonium sulfate standard grade. This condition exposed employees to nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs), infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(1): The employer did not ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as stated in this paragraph:   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure fit testing was conducted for employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirators in the workplace.  This condition exposed employees to nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs), infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis while working with chemicals including but not limited to nitric acid, muriatic acid 22deg., hydrochloric acid, copper sulfate, phosphoric acid, 85% ACS, surf-n ammonium sulfate standard grade.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure respirators not in use were stored properly. Respirators were stored in the work area and were subject to chemical contamination, respirator malfunction or failure. This condition exposed employees to nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs), and infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,394 · Current $6,697 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3)(i): Places of employment were not kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allowed:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure that work areas were maintained in sanitary condition, such as but not limited to:  a) Work table where employees used to eat food and drinks.   b) Work area cluttered with boxes, chemicals, equipment on floor.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $7,813 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(iii): The sewage disposal method endangered the health of the employee(s):  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not provide employees with a proper sewage disposal method. This condition endangered the health of employees and exposed them to possible health hazards such has but not limited to:   a) Hepatitis B and C b) Salmonella c) E. coli d) Meningitis e) Parasites f)  Skin irritation

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(ii): Lavatories were not provided with hot and cold, or tepid running water:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not provide lavatories with hot and cold, or tepid running water.  This condition endangered the health of employees and exposed them to possible health hazards such has but not limited to:    a) Hepatitis B and C b) Salmonella c) E. coli d) Meningitis e) Parasites f)  Skin irritation

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,394 · Current $6,697 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(g)(2): Employees were permitted to consume food or beverage in area(s) exposed to toxic materials:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer permitted employees to consume food or beverage in area(s) exposed to toxic materials / chemicals including but not limited to:  a) Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate b) Ammonium Sulfate c) Sodium Bisulfate Anhydrous d) Silver Nitrate e) Sulfuric Acid

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(g)(4): Food or beverages were stored in area(s) exposed to toxic material(s):  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer permitted employees to store food or beverage in area(s) exposed to toxic materials / chemicals including but not limited to:  a) Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate b) Ammonium Sulfate c) Sodium Bisulfate Anhydrous d) Silver Nitrate e) Sulfuric Acid

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,162 · Current $5,581 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:  On or about September 12, 2022, listed or labeled equipment was not installed and/or used in accordance with manufacturer's instruction and UL White Book listing.  Employees were exposed to electrical shock and fire hazards.   1) In the Plating / Casting Room: Three (3) outlet splitter adapters and three extension cords were plugged into one another.   2) In the Main Work Area: One (1) three outlet splitter adapters and an extension cord were plugged into one another.   3) In the Main Work Area between two bench buffers:  One (1) three outlet splitter and an extension cord were plugged into one another.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,696 · Current $3,348 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv):There were damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action or overheating.  On or about September 12, 2022, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards in the following instances:  a) In the Outdoor Shed Area, three 110V outlets receptacles were deteriorated by corrosion.   b) In the Polishing Area next to four water softer tanks, a four-outlet receptacle against the wall was damaged.  c) In the Polishing Area behind stacked Gamma Seal lids, a four-outlet receptacle located against the wall was broken.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,696 · Current $3,348 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 September 12, 2022, in the plating room, the electrical panel covers were not securely fastened in place. This condition exposed employees to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(3)(iii): Covers for boxes were not permanently marked "HIGH VOLTAGE." The marking was not on the outside of the box cover and shall be readily visible and legible.  On or about September 12, 2022, in the plating room, an electrical panel was not permanently marked "HIGH VOLTAGE". This condition exposed employees to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $7,813 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program to include the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) information including but not limited to safety data sheets, labeling, and training. This condition exposed employees to possible severe respiratory irritation, impaired breathing, and/or suffocation due to over exposure.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  On or about September 12, 2022, employees in the Sprung Room, Casting Room, Plating Room, Polishing Room, and Main Work Room 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.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the product identifier and word, pictures and/or symbols which provide the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the product identifier and word, pictures and/or symbols. Employees were exposed to nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs) and infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis in the following instances:  a) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) there were two (2) unlabeled plastic bottles in front of a bottle of Ferric Acid containing ACS (Aluminum Sulfate).  b) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) on metal shelve#1 there were three (3) unlabeled plastic bottles containing Copper Nitrate, Ferric Amm. Oxylate, and Acid EDTA.   c) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) on metal shelve #2 there were 16 plastic bottles without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   d) In the Plating/Casting Room, on top the sink by the eye and skin flush station there were eight (8) plastic bottles without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.  e) In the Plating Room, there was four (7) Plastic bottle on top of and underneath a wooden table with an unknown chemical without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   f) In the Main Work Room, there were two (2) containers (blue tote boxes labeled with black marker "Sulfuric" and white bucket labeled with black marker " Potassium Carbonate") underneath a table with an unknown chemical without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.  g) In Office #2, there were three (3) plastic containers on the floor in a box containing tortilla chips that were open, with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   h) In Office #2, a white container stacked on top of a blue barrel that read CU Chloride new ACS the original product label was scratched off.   i) In Office #2, there were seven (7) rubber containers stacked on top of each other with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazard of the chemical.   j) In Office #1, there were seven (7) plastic bottles on the floor with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazard of the chemical.   k) In the Plating Room, there was a rubber container containing blue colored liquid with unknown chemicals inside. (Waste container).

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8):  The employer did not maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and did not ensure that they were readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they were in their work area(s):  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical and did not ensure they were readily accessible during each work shift to employees. Employees engaged in electroplating, casting, wax working, enameling, sealing, pickling, anodizing, etching, and finishing jewelry were exposed to health hazards such as but not limited to, nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs)and infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(11):  Safety data sheets were not made readily available, upon request, to designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary, and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020(e).  On or about September 12, 2022, safety data sheets were not made readily available, upon request, to designated representative, the Assistant Secretary, and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020(e). Employees were exposed to health hazards such as but not limited to, nerve and muscle disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and myasthenia gravis, lung and airway diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, fluid buildup in the lungs or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs) and infections of the brain or spinal cord such as meningitis.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(j)(1): The employer did not train employees regarding the new label elements and safety data sheets format by December 1, 2013.  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not train employees regarding the new label elements and safety data sheets format by December 1, 2013. This condition exposed employees to safety and health hazards.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(f)(9): The employer removed or defaced existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals and did not immediately mark the containers with the required information:  On or about September 12, 2022, the employer removed or defaced existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals and did not immediately mark with the identity of the product and its hazard warnings in the following instances:  a) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) there were two (2) unlabeled plastic bottles in front of a bottle of Ferric Acid containing ACS (Aluminum Sulfate).   b) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) on metal shelve#1 there were three (3) unlabeled plastic bottles containing Copper Nitrate, Ferric Amm. Oxylate, and Acid EDTA.   c) In the Sprung Room (Wax Oil Casting Room) on metal shelve #2 there were 16 plastic bottles without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   d) In the Plating/Casting Room, on top the sink by the eye and skin flush station there were eight (8) plastic bottles without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   e) In the Plating Room, there was four (4) Plastic bottle on top of and underneath a wooden table with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   f) In the Main Work Room, there were two (2) containers (blue rubber barrels  labeled with black marker "Sulfuric" and white bucket labeled with black marker "Potassium Carbonate") underneath a table with an unknown chemical without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.   g) In Office #2, there were three (3) plastic containers on the bottom of a box containing tortilla chips that were open, with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazards of the chemical.  h) In Office #2, a white container stacked on top of a blue barrel that read "CU Chloride new ACS" the original product label was scratched off.   i) In Office #2, there were seven (7) rubber containers stacked on top of each other with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazard of the chemical.   j) In Office #1, there were seven (7) plastic bottles on the floor with unknown chemicals without symbols which provided the general information regarding the hazard of the chemical.   k) In the Room, there was a rubber container containing bluish liquid unknown chemicals inside. (Waste container).

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $133,932 · Current $66,966 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:   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the facility for immediate emergency use. Employees are exposed to corrosive chemicals such as but not limited to, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and ferric chloride.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $1,253 · Current $627 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.124(f): Employees were not knowledgeable of the proper first-aid procedures appropriate to the dipping or coating hazards to which they were exposed:   On or about September 12, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees were knowledgeable of the proper first aid procedures. This condition exposed employees to possible chemical burns, eye irritation or irritation of the upper respiratory tract, etc.

Issued

Feb 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $1,253 · Current $627 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.124(g)(1): Employees who worked with liquids that could burn, irritate, or otherwise harm their skin were not provided with locker space or other storage space to prevent contamination of their street clothes:  On or about September 12, 2022 the employer did not provide locker space or other storage space to prevent the contamination of employee's street clothes when employees were working with liquids that may burn, irritate or otherwise harm their skin.