OSHA Inspection: HBD THERMOID, INC.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,676 · Current $7,605 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(d):The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6):  a.) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 7, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts during setup activities, such as, but not limited to, when changing yarn, threading and changing rings, on Lapper #2. The employer did not implement energy control application steps as the machine was not shutdown or turned off to perform the servicing work [per the 1910.147(d)(2) requirements]. As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [(d)(3)], LOTO device application [(d)(6)], dissipation of residual energy [(d)5)(i)], and verification of isolation [(d)(6)], were not implemented to protect employees from machine servicing hazards.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Jul 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $9,678 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1):One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:  a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, located in the finishing department employees were required to retrieve hose by hand from the end of the conveyor belt in cell 7. The employer did not ensure the conveyor belt was guarded to prevent contact with the ingoing nip point between the conveyors belt and its end roller thereby exposing the employees to caught in hazards.   b) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, located in the finishing department employees were required to retrieve hose by hand from the end of the conveyor belt in cell 8. The employer did not ensure the conveyor belt was guarded to prevent contact with the ingoing nip point between the conveyors belt and its end roller thereby exposing the employees to caught in hazards.   c) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, located in the finishing department employees were required to retrieve hose by hand from the end of the conveyor belt in cell 9. The employer did not ensure the conveyor belt was guarded to prevent contact with the ingoing nip point between the conveyors belt and its end roller thereby exposing the employees to caught in hazards.   d)HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 7, 2023, located in the extrusion department, employees were required to guide hose by hand along Line 8-layer (microwave) conveyor belt. The employer did not ensure the conveyor belt was guarded to prevent contact with the ingoing nip point between the conveyors belt and its end roller thereby exposing the employees to caught-in hazards.  e) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 7, 2023, located in the extrusion department, employees were required to guide hose by hand along Line 7-layer (microwave) conveyor belt. The employer did not ensure the conveyor belt was guarded to prevent contact with the ingoing nip point between the conveyors belt and its end roller thereby exposing the employees to caught-in hazards.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Dec 16, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,676 · Current $7,605 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(4):Revolving drum(s), barrel(s), or container(s) were not guarded by enclosure(s) which were interlocked with the drive mechanism so that the barrel(s), drum(s), or container(s) could not revolve unless the enclosure(s) were in place:   a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 07, 2023, the employer did not ensure the line #5 reeler station cooling drums were enclosed by interlocking guards. In this condition employees were exposed to ingoing nip points created by the two vertically aligned horizontal rotating drums and wound hose being cooled.   b) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure the line #1 reeler station cooling drums were enclosed by interlocking guards. In this condition employees were exposed to ingoing nip points created by the two vertically aligned horizontal rotating drums and wound hose being cooled.   c) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure the line #2 reeler station cooling drums were enclosed by interlocking guards. In this condition employees were exposed to ingoing nip points created by the two vertically aligned horizontal rotating drums and wound hose being cooled.   d) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure the line #7 reeler station cooling drums were enclosed by interlocking guards. In this condition employees were exposed to ingoing nip points created by the two vertically aligned horizontal rotating drums and wound hose being cooled.   e) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure the line #8 reeler station cooling drums were enclosed by interlocking guards. In this condition employees were exposed to ingoing nip points created by the two vertically aligned horizontal rotating drums and wound hose being cooled.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,676 · Current $7,605 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.219(c)(2)(i):All exposed part(s) of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform were not protected by stationary casing(s) enclosing shafting completely or by trough(s) enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting:  a) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 7, 2023, located in the Extrusion Department, employees were required to place and remove absorbent pads on the floor at the Line 2 extruder's six and one-half inch long unguarded rotating horizontal shaft that was approximately 43 inches above the floor exposing employees to caught-in hazards.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,676 · Current $7,605 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(b)(1)(ii):Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  a) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the two unused one-inch openings of the control panel for the Line #2 SE and North floor cat- pullers were effectively closed. In this condition, employees tasked with operating the Cat-Pullers from the control panel were exposed to 120 VAC.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $12,676 · Current $7,605 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(b)(2)(i):Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:  a) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about November 1, 2023, the employer did not ensure that an electrical junction box containing 480v conductors found on Line #2 cooling drum was effectively closed with approved cover. Employees working from the machine's platform in proximity to the exposed wires were exposed to electrical shock.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $16,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(2)(iii):Flexible cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws:  a) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to foot operated controls of the line #1 spooler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   b) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to the line #2 spooler was secured in a way ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.  c) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to foot operated controls of the line #3 spooler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   d) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to the line #3 spooler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   e) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to the line #5 counter was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   f) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to electrical box of the line #8 spooler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   g) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to foot operated controls of the line #8 spooler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   h) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to foot operated controls of the cell #10 baler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.    i) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to electrical box of the line #10 baler was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   j) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to electrical box of the line #8 overhead cat-puller motor was secured in a way to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.   k) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio:  On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to electrical box of the line #2 Festoon was attached to ensure strain relief. Employees operating on or around the equipment in this condition were exposed to shock hazards.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(2)(ii):Flexible cords were not used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap:  a) BD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the flexible cord connected to the foot operated pedal on the Line #1 spooler was free of splices. Employees performing work task near the exposed conductors were exposed to shock hazards up to 120 VAC.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Aug 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $9,678 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1): Employees were not trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by 1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertained to their respective job assignments:(a)   a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. located in Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 18, 2023, the employer failed to ensure maintenance employees responsible for working on electrical equipment such as replacing an electrical 480 volt motor on CV tank Zone 14 and troubleshooting 700 volt 400 amp fuses inside the CVR #13 electrical panel, were not familiar with the following safety-related work practices:          1. Employees were not familiar with the required electrical protective equipment to wear to protect their upper torsos, legs, face, head and hands from hazards created by electrical               shock, arc flash, and arc blast;          2.  Employees were not familiar with how to properly and safely use electrical testing equipment;          3.  Employees were not familiar with how to safely use and inspect insulated tools;          4.  Employees were not familiar with how to inspect electrical protective equipment;          5.  Employees were not familiar with how to properly deenergize and lockout electrical equipment.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Aug 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.335(a)(1)(i):Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not provided with and required to use electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body that needed to be protected and for the work being performed.  a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. located in Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 18, 2023, the employer failed to ensure a maintenance employee working on the Line 7 CV Tank Zone 14 blower motor was wearing arc rated clothing, insulated gloves, arc rated face shield, arc rated hard hat and an arc rated balaclava when exposed to 480 volt electrical hazards while performing voltage testing inside of the Line 7 contactor box.  b) HBD Thermoid, Inc. located in Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 31, 2023, the employer failed to ensure a maintenance employee working on the CVR Line 3 electrical panel was wearing arc rated clothing, insulated gloves, arc rated face shield, arc rated hard hat and an arc rated balaclava when exposed to 480 volt electrical hazards while performing voltage testing.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Aug 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.333(a):Safety-related work practices were not employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work was performed near or on equipment or circuits which were or could be energized:  a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. located in Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 31, 2023, the employer failed to ensure a maintenance employee working on the CVR Line 3 electrical panel locked out the electrical disconnect upstream prior to troubleshooting fuses inside of the 480 volt electrical panel.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

Sep 12, 2025

Penalty

Initial $161,323 · Current $80,663 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1):One or more methods of machine guarding is not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:  a) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: Located in the Finishing Department on Cell #7, employees manually feed rubber hose onto a rotating baler. The employer does not ensure the employees are protected from caught-in hazards created by the rotating baler with its protruding components and struck-by hazards from its rotating paddles and hose fitting ends. This was identified on October 24, 2023.   b) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer does not ensure the cell #8 baler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the hose being wound and the high-speed rotating flanges (paddles). Employees performing operational tasks in proximity of the rotating equipment are exposed to caught in hazards.   c) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer does not ensure the cell #9 baler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the hose being wound and the high-speed rotating flanges (paddles). Employees performing operational tasks in proximity of the rotating equipment are exposed to caught in hazards.   d) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer does not ensure the cell #10 baler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the hose being wound and the high-speed rotating flanges (paddles). Employees performing operational tasks in proximity of the rotating equipment are exposed to caught in hazards.   e) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer failed to ensure the line #1 spooler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the winding of the hose on the spinning reels. Employees tasked with spooling hose in this condition were exposed to caught in hazards.  f) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer failed to ensure the line #2 spooler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the winding of the hose on the spinning reels. Employees tasked with spooling hose in this condition were exposed to caught in hazards.  g) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer failed to ensure the line #4 spooler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the winding of the hose on the spinning reels. Employees tasked with spooling hose in this condition were exposed to caught in hazards.  h) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer failed to ensure the line #5 spooler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the winding of the hose on the spinning reels. Employees tasked with spooling hose in this condition were exposed to caught in hazards.  i) HBD Thermoid, Inc. Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about September 27, 2023, the employer failed to ensure the line 7 spooler is guarded in such a manner as to prevent employees' hands from reaching the ingoing nip point created by the hose being wound on the spinning reels. Employees tasked with spooling hose were exposed to caught in hazards.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  a)  HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not follow UL listing instructions for relocatable power taps in Cell #9.  ? Relocatable power taps are intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet.  ?  Relocatable power taps are not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords.  ? Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.    b)  HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not follow UL listing instructions for relocatable power taps in Cell #8.  ? Relocatable power taps are intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet.  ?  Relocatable power taps are not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords.  ? Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.   c)  HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not follow UL listing instructions for relocatable power taps in Cell #7.  ? Relocatable power taps are intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet.  ?  Relocatable power taps are not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords.  ? Relocatable power taps are not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring.

Issued

Mar 25, 2024

Abate by

May 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(7)(iv): Electrical equipment was not free of 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:  a) HBD/Thermoid, INC - Bellefontaine, Ohio: On or about October 24, 2023, the employer did not ensure Line #8 spooler flexible conduit was kept in a safe condition. Line #8 spooler's flexible conduit was broken at its fitting revealing its insulated conductors.