OSHA Inspection: IPSEN, INC

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Jun 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $8,036 · Current $4,780 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.23(c)(4): The employer did not ensure that ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement.  On or about January 11, 2023, an employee was performing a quality assurance test on a vertical heat treating vessel. The employer did not ensure that the ladder was being used on a stable and level surface as it was placed on top of a piece of plywood, which was placed across graphite bars. The employee was exposed to fall hazards of approximately 7 feet while working on the ladder.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Jun 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(1)(i):(1) Unprotected sides and edges. 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.  On or about January 11, 2023, the employer did not ensure that employees had adequate means of fall protection while performing a quality assurance test on a vertical furnace. The employee was exposed to fall hazards of approximately 7 feet from the ground level while working on a surface with no protected sides or edges.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Aug 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,430 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(1):The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.   On or about January 11, 2023, an employee was performing a quality assurance test on a vertical heat treating vessel, in a permit-required confined space. The employee was exposed to a hazardous nitrogen atmosphere. While performing their test, the employee lost consciousness and fell approximately 7 feet. The employer failed to evaluate the workspace to determine it was a permit-required confined space.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Aug 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,430 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(5)(i): The employer did not test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working;  On or about January 11, 2023, an employee entered a vertical heat treating vessel to perform a quality assurance test, in a permit-required confined space. The space exposed the employee to a hazardous nitrogen atmosphere. The employer did not test the conditions on the vessel to ensure there was a safe level of oxygen present. The employee lost consciousness almost immediately upon entering the space and fell approximately 7 feet.   Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Jun 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,430 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(g)(1):The employer did not provide adequate training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.  On or about January 11, 2023, an employee entered a vertical heat treating vessel which was a permit-required confined space, to perform a quality assurance test.  Approximately 30 minutes before the employee entered, the space was filled with nitrogen. The employer failed to ensure that the entrant could recognize the space as a permit-required confined space.  The employee was exposed to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and lost consciousness.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 26, 2023

Abate by

Aug 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,430 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(1): Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof. In situations in which lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed from the energy isolating device and the machine or equipment energized to test or position the machine, equipment or component thereof,  the employer did not ensure the following sequence of actions were followed:  - Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section;  - Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section;  - Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section; - Energize and proceed with testing or positioning;  - Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section to continue the servicing and/or maintenance.  On or about January 11, 2023, an employee entered a vertical heat treating vessel, a permit-required confined space, to perform a quality assurance test. The employee was lifted into the vessel by raising the head of the furnace. The employer failed to ensure the proper lockout or tagout procedures were being during the quality assurance test.  Employees were exposed to entrapment, asphyxiation, and burning hazards.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).