OSHA Inspection: KENNETH DUGENSKE

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $6,567

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(c)(1): Eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) PEL. The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of MC in excess of twenty-five parts of MC per million parts of air (25 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA.  On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; an employee stripping wood furniture using Benco B7 industrial paint remover was exposed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 138 ppm of Methylene chloride (MC), approximately 5.5 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm. The exposure level was derived from samples collected over a 384-minute sampling period with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 96 minutes.

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(c)(2): Short-term exposure limit (STEL). The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of MC in excess of one hundred and twenty-five parts of MC per million parts of air (125 ppm) as determined over a sampling period of fifteen minutes.   On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; an employee stripping wood furniture using Benco B7 industrial paint remover was exposed to a 15-minute short-term exposure of 258 ppm of Methylene chloride (MC), approximately 2 times the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 125 ppm. The exposure level was derived from a sample collected over a 15-minute sampling period.

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(e)(1): The employer shall establish a regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of MC exceeds or can reasonably be expected to exceed either the 8-hour TWA PEL or the STEL.   On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not establish a regulated area where an employee was stripping wood furniture using Benco B7 industrial paint remover and was exposed to levels of Methylene chloride (MC) that were above both the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm, and the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 125 ppm. The employee was exposed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 138 ppm of Methylene chloride (MC), over a 384-minute sampling period with zero exposure assumed for the unsampled period of 96 minutes. The employee was exposed to a short-term exposure of MC, over a sampling period of 15 minutes.

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(f)(1): Engineering and work practice controls. The employer shall institute and maintain the effectiveness of engineering controls and work practices to reduce employee exposure to or below the PELs except to the extent that the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible. Wherever the feasible engineering controls and work practices which can be instituted are not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the 8-TWA PEL or STEL, the employer shall use them to reduce employee exposure to the lowest levels achievable by these controls and shall supplement them by the use of respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this section.   On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; an employee stripping wood furniture using Benco B7 industrial paint remover, a methylene chloride-containing stripper, was exposed to levels of Methylene chloride (MC) that were above both the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm, and the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 125 ppm. The employer did not institute adequate engineering controls and work practices to reduce the employee's exposure to or below the PEL.

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(g)(1)(i): For employees who use respirators required by this section, the employer must provide each employee an appropriate respirator that complies with the requirements of this paragraph. Respirators must be used during periods when an employee's exposure to MC exceeds the 8-hour TWA PEL, or STEL (for example, when an employee is using MC in a regulated area).   On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; an employee stripping wood furniture using Benco B7 industrial paint remover, a methylene chloride-containing stripper, was exposed to levels of Methylene chloride (MC) that were above both the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm, and the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 125 ppm. The employer did not provide the employee an appropriate full-face, atmosphere-supplying respirator.

Issued

May 3, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(j)(1)(i): The employer shall make medical surveillance available for employees who are or may be exposed to Methylene chloride (MC) at or above the action level on 30 or more days per year, or above the 8-hour TWA PEL or the STEL on 10 or more days per year:   On or about March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not make medical surveillance available for employees stripping wood furniture with an MC-containing stripper, who were exposed to MC above both the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 25 ppm, and the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 125 ppm, more than 10 days per year.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $3,225 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(d)(7)(iii): Fire control. "Open flames and smoking." Open flames and smoking shall not be permitted in flammable liquid storage areas.   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer permitted employees to smoke in the spray finishing room where Class 2 and 3 flammable liquids were stored, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards while they and the employer were smoking in these areas.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(7): "No smoking" signs in large letters on contrasting color background shall be conspicuously posted at all spraying areas and paint storage rooms.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, near the spray finishing room; the employer had not conspicuously posted "No smoking" signs in and around the spray finishing room and paint storage areas, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards while they and the employer were smoking in these areas.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.106(e)(6)(ii): Sources of ignition - Grounding. Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floorplate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with.  At an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin:  a) On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024,  the employer did not ensure the steel, 55-gallon drum containing reclaimed Barsol lacquer thinner was grounded and bonded prior to employees pouring the category 3 flammable liquid into a 5-gallon metal can, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards.  b) On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024,  the employer did not ensure the Kremlin pneumatic spray gun was grounded and bonded to the 5-gal. metal cans containing category 2 and 3 flammable liquids being sprayed onto wood furniture, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $3,226 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(1): Construction. Spray booths shall be substantially constructed of steel, securely and rigidly supported, or of concrete or masonry except that aluminum or other substantial noncombustible material may be used for intermittent or low volume spraying. Spray booths shall be designed to sweep air currents toward the exhaust outlet.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the walls and ceilings of the spray finishing room were constructed of a noncombustible material. The walls and ceiling of the room were constructed of wood, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards in the event of a fire.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(5)(ii): All discarded filter pads and filter rolls shall be 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 unless maintained completely in water.   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the filter pads used in the spray finishing room were immediately removed to a safe, well-detached location and disposed of at the close of the day's operation. Employees would use pressurized air to blow out the filters at the end of the workdays and reuse the filters for up to two weeks, exposing employees to inhalation hazards presented by the used filters and the blow out process.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(2): Minimum separation. There shall be no open flame or spark producing equipment in any spraying area nor within 20 feet thereof, unless separated by a partition.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room; employees utilized a Makita DT-11 impact driver equipped with an 18V lithium ion battery to secure wood products to hangers to dry. The brushed motor in the tool's housing produced sparks during use, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(6): Wiring type approved. Electrical wiring and equipment not subject to deposits of combustible residues but located in a spraying area as herein defined shall be of explosion-proof type approved for Class I, group D locations and shall otherwise conform to the provisions of subpart S of this part, for Class I, Division 1, Hazardous Locations. Electrical wiring, motors, and other equipment outside of but within twenty (20) feet of any spraying area, and not separated therefrom by partitions, shall not produce sparks under normal operating conditions and shall otherwise conform to the provisions of subpart S of this part for Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that electrical wiring, shop lights, exhaust fans, and light switches located inside of and within 20 feet of the spray finishing area were of explosion-proof type approved for hazardous locations. The equipment was not separated by partitions, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards in the event of a fire or explosion from the spray finishing process.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(c)(7): Lamps. Electric lamps outside of, but within twenty (20) feet of any spraying area, and not separated therefrom by a partition, shall be totally enclosed to prevent the falling of hot particles and shall be protected from mechanical injury by suitable guards or by location.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that the electric shop lights affixed to the walls of the spray finishing room were totally enclosed to prevent the falling of hot particles. The lights were mounted approximately 4 feet above the walking surface and were not protected from mechanical injury by suitable guards or by location, exposing employees to fire and burn hazards.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $3,226 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as, but not limited to, skin, hand, and eye protection while spray finishing with hazardous chemicals, power sanding wood, and using pressurized air to blow out the exhaust fan filters.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1): The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the elements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1)(i) through 1910.132(f)(1)(v).  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing and stripping rooms; the employees were not trained in the elements required by this section when using PPE such as, but not limited to, eye, hand, and skin protection while working with strippers containing Methylene chloride (MC) and spraying hazardous precatalyst primers, lacquers, and stains. Employees were exposed to eye, skin, and hand damage while stripping and finishing wood furniture.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $3,226 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer shall 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.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room; the employer did not ensure employees were using eye protection while working with corrosive and other hazardous chemicals, exposing employees' eyes to potential corneal burns.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,610 · Current $2,305 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(ii): Where respirator use is not required: In addition, the employer must establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user. Exception: Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program those employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust masks).   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room;  the employer did not establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that employees wearing 3M half-face elastomeric respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges were medically able to use the respirators, and that the respirators were cleaned, stored, and maintained so that their use did not present a health hazard to the users.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(e)(1): General. The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room; the employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine an employee's ability to use a tight-fitting, 3M half-face elastomeric respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges while spray staining wooden furniture pieces.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k): Training and information. This paragraph requires the employer to provide effective training to employees who are required to use respirators. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur annually, and more often if necessary. This paragraph also requires the employer to provide the basic information on respirators in Appendix D of this section to employees who wear respirators when not required by this section or by the employer to do so.   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room; the employer did not provide effective training on respirators or a respiratory protection program for spray finishing employees wearing voluntary 3M half-face elastomeric respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges.   All provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1) through (k)(5) shall be provided to employees wearing respirators. Key elements include, but are not limited to the following:  1) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;  2) Limitations and capabilities of the respirator;  3) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator;  4) Procedures for maintenance and storage of the respirator; 5) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jun 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,610 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii): The employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant's chemical state and physical form. Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, the employer shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the spray finishing room; the employer did not conduct an evaluation of the workplace that included a reasonable estimation of employee exposures to respiratory hazards while spray finishing wood furniture, manually applying finishes, and cleaning equipment.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the work area of the spray finishing room, exposing employees to permanent eye damage from the corrosive wood finishing chemicals they were spraying.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In completed installations, each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear.   On or about November 7, 2023, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that a 3-gang metallic switch box was provided with a cover, exposing employees to electrical shock and burn hazards when manipulating the switches.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $3,225 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Written hazard communication program. Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not implement a written hazard communication (HAZCOM) program for hazardous chemicals used and present in the workplace, including but not limited to, Sher-Wood PreCat primer surfacer, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain chestnut base, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain clear tint base, Sher-Wood Hi-Bild Precat lacquer medium rubbed effect, trisodium phosphate powder, and Benco B7 Industrial Paint Remover.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(1): Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not maintain safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals used and present in the workplace, including but not limited to, Sher-Wood PreCat primer surfacer, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain chestnut base, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain clear tint base, Sher-Wood Hi-Bild Precat lacquer medium rubbed effect, and trisodium phosphate powder (TSP).

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(2): Employee information and training. Employees shall be informed of: (i) The requirements of this section; (ii) Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present; and (iii) The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals, and safety data sheets required by this section.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not inform employees of the requirements of the Hazard Communication section, did not inform employees of the hazardous chemicals present in their work areas, and did not inform employees on the location and availability of safety data sheets when employees worked with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Sher-Wood PreCat primer surfacer, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain chestnut base, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain clear tint base, Sher-Wood Hi-Bild Precat lacquer medium rubbed effect, trisodium phosphate powder, and Benco B7 Industrial Paint Remover.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3): Employee information and training. Employee training shall include at least the topics from (h)(3)(i) through (h)(3)(iv) of this section.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin; the employer did not provide training to employees regarding:   (i) how employees could detect hazardous chemicals in the work areas;  (ii) the physical hazards, health hazards and combustible dust hazards of the chemicals in their work areas;  (iii) the measures employees could take to protect themselves from hazardous chemicals through procedures and/or personal protective equipment (PPE); and  (iv) the details of a hazard communication program including descriptions of labeling on containers and safety data sheets (SDS).   Employees worked with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Sher-Wood PreCat primer surfacer, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain chestnut base, Sher-Wood BAC wiping stain clear tint base, Sher-Wood Hi-Bild Precat lacquer medium rubbed effect, trisodium phosphate powder, and Benco B7 Industrial Paint Remover.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

Jun 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(d)(2): Initial determination. Each employer whose employees are exposed to MC shall perform initial exposure monitoring to determine each affected employee's exposure.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the stripping room; the employer did not perform initial exposure monitoring for two employees stripping wooden church furniture utilizing a methylene chloride-containing paint stripper [i.e., Benco Sales B7 industrial paint remover, 70-80% by weight].

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(h)(1): Where needed to prevent Methylene chloride-induced skin or eye irritation, the employer shall provide clean protective clothing and equipment which is resistant to MC, at no cost to the employee, and shall ensure that each affected employee uses it. Eye and face protection shall meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.133 or 29 CFR 1915.153, as applicable.  On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the stripping room; the employer did not provide clean protective clothing and equipment that was resistant to Methylene chloride (MC), at no cost to the employee, and ensured that affected employees used it. Employees stripping wood furniture with methylene chloride-containing paint stripper [i.e., Benco Sales B7 industrial paint remover, 70-80% by weight] were exposed to MC splashing on their unprotected eyes, arms, hands, faces, necks, and feet.

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(i)(2): If it is reasonably foreseeable that an employee's eyes may contact solutions containing 0.1 percent or greater MC (for example through splashes, spills or improper work practices), the employer shall provide appropriate eyewash facilities within the immediate work area for emergency use, and shall ensure that affected employees use those facilities when necessary.   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the stripping room; the employer did not provide appropriate eyewash facilities within the immediate work area for emergency use. Employees were exposed to Methylene chloride splashing in their eyes while stripping wood furniture with scrub brushes and dropping the parts into a tray containing a stripper with methylene chloride as the primary ingredient, [i.e., Benco Sales B7 industrial paint remover, 70-80% by weight].

Issued

Apr 19, 2024

Abate by

May 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,452 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1052(l)(1): Employee information and training. The employer shall provide information and training for each affected employee prior to or at the time of initial assignment to a job involving potential exposure to Methylene chloride (MC).   On or about November 7, 2023, to March 7, 2024, at an establishment located at 724 South Industrial Drive in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the stripping room; the employer did not provide information and training for each affected employee prior to or at the time of initial assignment to a job involving potential exposure to Methylene chloride (MC). Employees were exposed to MC while stripping wood furniture with methylene chloride-containing paint stripper [i.e., Benco Sales B7 industrial paint remover, 70-80% by weight].