OSHA Inspection: LIBERTY BASIN, LLC

Issued

Sep 26, 2023

Abate by

Nov 30, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $3,349

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(m)(4): The employer did not implement procedures in the grain handling facility for the use of tags and locks which would prevent the inadvertent application of energy or motion to equipment being repaired, serviced, or adjusted:  a) Grain Handling facility: On March 28, 2023 and times prior, the employer had not developed an energy control program of their own which would include specific written procedures for identifying and controlling the energy sources for the new equipment installed or re-located by the sub-contractor(s). This included but may not be limited to the hammer mills, augers and bucket elevators.   Note) Certification of corrective action is required for this item.

Issued

Sep 26, 2023

Abate by

Nov 30, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,688 · Current $4,688

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(1): The employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program that established the frequency and the method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other expose surfaces:   a) Grain Handling facility: On March 28, 2023 and times prior a housekeeping program with a documented schedule that identifies the frequency, areas of concern and methods to be used was not established or implemented.  Combustible dust accumulated in areas including but not limited to the tunnels, truck load out/scale barn and near the ground corn drag conveyor.     Note) Certification and documentation of corrective actions are required for this item.

Issued

Sep 26, 2023

Abate by

Nov 30, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,688 · Current $4,688

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(m)(1)(i): The employer did not implement preventive maintenance procedures consisting of regularly scheduled inspections of at least the mechanical and safety control equipment associated with dryers, grain stream processing equipment, dust collection equipment including filter collectors, and bucket elevators:  a) Grain Handling Facility: On March 28, 2023, and times prior a schedule of preventative maintenance inspections/procedures had not been established or implemented.  Items identified included but  were not limited to, the ground corn drag conveyor leaking an excessive amount of combustible dust from a damaged seal for an undetermined amount of time.  b) Grain Handling Facility:  On March 28, 2023, and at times prior the main dust collection system was not functioning properly for approximately four (4) months.  This resulted in the baghouse socks, auger and associated piping to be continually clogged, "packed off" until the problem was corrected, and the baghouse socks were replaced.          Note)  Certification and documentation of corrective actions are required for this item.

Issued

Sep 26, 2023

Abate by

Nov 30, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(m)(3): A certification record maintained of each inspection by the employer in the grain facility was not in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.272(m):  a) Grain Handling facility: On March 28, 2023, and times prior the employer had not established or maintained a certified record showing the date a specific piece of equipment was inspected and the person who conducted the inspection for the mechanical and safety control equipment associated with grain handling.   Note) Certification and documentation of corrective actions are required for this item.

Issued

Sep 26, 2023

Abate by

Nov 30, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,688 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.272(m)(2): The employer did not promptly correct dust collection systems which were malfunctioning, or which are operating below designed efficiency:  a) Main dust collection system: On March 28, 2023, and times prior the employer continued to process corn for approximately four (4) months while the primary dust collection system controls were not functioning properly.  This clogged or "packed off" the auger, associated piping and baghouse socks, which resulted in an excessive amount of  dust accumulation in and around the facility.      Note) Certification and documentation of corrective actions are required for these items.