OSHA Inspection: OLSON TECHNOLOGIES INC

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Penalty

Initial $6,641 · Current $4,173 Reduced

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6): At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram, the employer did not obtain a new audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels:   a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023, an employee assembling metal valves and bonnets using a pneumatic table wrench and pneumatic die grinder, was exposed to continuous noise at 73.7% of the permissible exposure level of 90 dBA or an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) noise exposure of 87.7 dBA.  This exposure occurred over a 464 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 21 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide annual audiograms in accordance with this section.  Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Nov 17, 2023

Penalty

Initial $10,938 · Current $8,471 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8470M110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(g)(2): All spraying areas were not kept as free from the accumulation of deposits of combustible residues as practical, with cleaning conducted daily if necessary:   a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023,  the employer was utilizing a spray booth to control paint vapors while painting metal production parts.  The employer permitted the buildup of combustible overspray residue on the floors and walls, and in addition, dried paint residue (powder) was left to accumulate 13 inches high in a trough that was 14 feet wide.  Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.  Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8470M110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(5)(i): There were no visible gauges, audible alarms or pressure activated devices installed in paint spray booths to indicate or ensure that the required air speed was maintained.   a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023,  the employer was utilizing a spray booth to control paint vapors while painting metal production parts.  The booth was not equipped with any gauges, alarms, or devices that would have indicated that the booth was operating at required air velocities.   Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8470M110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(5)(ii):  Discarded filter pads and filter rolls were not immediately removed to a safe, well-detached location or placed in a water-filled metal container and disposed of at the close of the day's operation when not maintained completely in water.  a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023,  the employer was utilizing a spray booth equipped with polyester filters to control paint vapors while painting metal production parts.  The employer was not discarding the used filter pads in a safe location and/or were not being placed in a water-filled metal container at the end of the shift.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8470M110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(9): Spray booths were not installed so that all portions were readily accessible for cleaning.  A clear space of not less than 3 feet on all sides was not kept free from storage or combustible construction:  a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 6, 2023,  the employer was utilizing a spray booth to control paint vapors while painting metal production parts.  The employer installed a workbench up against the left interior side of the spray booth, which was used for storing gallon containers of flammable paints and thinners, many of which were stored in cardboard boxes.  In addition, the employer installed a wooden locker up against the right interior side of the spray booth, which also contained combustible materials such as aerosol spray paints and cardboard boxes.  Combustibles were stored up against the interior walls of the booth, and all portions of the booth were not readily accessible for cleaning.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $3,984 · Current $1,516 Reduced

Hazardous substances 24602590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirators were fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter:   a) Olson Technologies - On or about June 6, 2023,  an employee was required to wear a half-face elastomeric respirator to protect them from inhalation hazards while spray painting metal valves with solvent based paint.  The employer did not ensure the employee was fit tested annually.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $5,313 · Current $2,841 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2310

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:  a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023, an employee was responsible for maintaining the proper water levels in a lead acid battery for a 4,000 pound electric forklift.  The acid  inside the battery is very corrosive to the skin and eyes, and the employer did not provide an eyewash for immediate emergency use.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $3,984 · Current $1,516 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.178(a)(6): The employer did not ensure that all nameplates or markings were maintained in a legible condition:  a) Olson Technologies -  On or about June 27, 2023, an employee utilized an electric sit down forklift to move production related materials.  The employer did not ensure that the capacity/model/nameplate markings were legible.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.