OSHA Inspection: OUTDOOR FURNITURE REFINISHING, INC.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $11,292

Hazardous substances T405

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to inhalation hazards when applying 1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) during powder coating operations:  a) On February 5, 2024, in the Batch Building, an employee performing powder coating activities in the big batch spray booth was exposed to an 8-hour time weighted average of 0.36 milligrams per cubic meter of TGIC, which is 7.2 times the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled time of 74 minutes.   Exposure to TGIC is capable of causing permanent physical illness and death including anemia, allergic contact dermatitis, serious eye irritation, respiratory sensitization and occupational asthma, DNA mutations, birth defects, and reduced sperm count.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(i): The employer did not establish, within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared:  a) On January 11, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees, whose baseline audiograms were not established, performed abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to noise at 316.2% of the permissible daily noise exposure (8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 90 dBA) or an equivalent sound level of approximately 98.3 dBA. Sampling was conducted for 408 minutes of one work shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 72 minutes.  b) On February 5, 2024, in the Batch Building where employees, whose baseline audiograms were not established, performed powder coating activities, an employee was exposed to exposed to noise at 86.77% of the permissible daily noise exposure (8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 90 dBA) or an equivalent sound level of approximately 88.9 dBA. Sampling was conducted for 439 minutes of one work shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 41 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

1910.95(g)(5)(i)  Within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, the employer shall establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared. 29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A): The employer did not ensure that hearing protectors were worn by any employee who was exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater and had not yet had a baseline audiogram established pursuant to 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(ii):  a) On February 5, 2024, in the Batch Building where an employee performing powder coating activities did not utilize hearing protectors and the employee was exposed to noise at 86.77% of the permissible daily noise exposure (8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 90 dBA) or an equivalent sound level of approximately 88.9 dBA. Sampling was conducted for 439 minutes of one work shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 41 minutes. The employee never received an audiometric test to establish a baseline audiogram.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $11,292

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(i): Visible gauges or audible alarm or pressure activated devices were not installed to indicate or insure that the required air velocity was maintained:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, the small batch spray booth was not equipped with gauges or alarms or pressure activated devices, exposing employees that performed powder coating activities to fire and explosion hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.107(b)(5)(i)  The spraying operations except electrostatic spraying operations shall be so designed, installed and maintained that the average air velocity over the open face of the booth (or booth cross section during spraying operations) shall be not less than 100 linear feet per minute. Electrostatic spraying operations may be conducted with an air velocity over the open face of the booth of not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more, depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its flammability and explosion characteristics. Visible gauges or audible alarm or pressure activated devices shall be installed to indicate or insure that the required air velocity is maintained. Filter rolls shall be inspected to insure proper replacement of filter media. 29 CFR 1910.107(d)(9): Air exhaust from spray operations was directed so that it could contaminate makeup air being introduced into the spraying area and other ventilating intakes, or directed so as to create a nuisance. Air exhausted from spray operations was recirculated:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the Line Building, air exhaust from the spray area was discharged into the interior of the building and could be recirculated, exposing employees to air contaminant hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.107(b)(5)(i)  The spraying operations except electrostatic spraying operations shall be so designed, installed and maintained that the average air velocity over the open face of the booth (or booth cross section during spraying operations) shall be not less than 100 linear feet per minute. Electrostatic spraying operations may be conducted with an air velocity over the open face of the booth of not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more, depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its flammability and explosion characteristics. Visible gauges or audible alarm or pressure activated devices shall be installed to indicate or insure that the required air velocity is maintained. Filter rolls shall be inspected to insure proper replacement of filter media. 29 CFR 1910.107(f)(3): Sprinklers protecting spraying areas were not kept as free from deposits as practical by cleaning daily if necessary:  a) On January 11, 2024, in the Batch Building, the sprinklers in the big and small batch spray booths were not kept as free from deposits as practical.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.107(b)(5)(i)  The spraying operations except electrostatic spraying operations shall be so designed, installed and maintained that the average air velocity over the open face of the booth (or booth cross section during spraying operations) shall be not less than 100 linear feet per minute. Electrostatic spraying operations may be conducted with an air velocity over the open face of the booth of not less than 60 linear feet per minute, or more, depending on the volume of the finishing material being applied and its flammability and explosion characteristics. Visible gauges or audible alarm or pressure activated devices shall be installed to indicate or insure that the required air velocity is maintained. Filter rolls shall be inspected to insure proper replacement of filter media. 29 CFR 1910.107(l)(4)(i): All areas were not kept free of the accumulation of powder coating dust:  a) On January 11, 2024, in the Batch Building, the areas inside and outside of the big batch spray booth and small batch spray booth were not kept free of the accumulation of powder coating dust.  b) On February 5, 2024, in the Line Building, the areas inside and outside of the spray area were not kept free of the accumulation of powder coating dust.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(3): The employer did not designate a program administrator who was qualified by appropriate training or experience to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and to conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, at the facility, the employer had not designated a qualified individual to administer the respiratory protection program, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k): The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable training to employees who were required to use respirators:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, at the facility, the employer did not provide respiratory protection training to employees who were required to use respirators, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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. 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(ii): The employer did not select and use a NIOSH-certified respirator in compliance with the conditions of its certification:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the inside blasting building and outside blasting area, SAS N95 particulate respirators were worn beneath Bullard air-supplied abrasive helmets. This combination use of respirators was not certified by NIOSH, thereby exposing employees performing abrasive blasting activities to inhalation hazards.  b) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building and Line Building, scarves were worn beneath elastomeric air-purifying respirators. This practice was not in compliance with the conditions of the respirators' NIOSH certification, thereby exposing employees performing powder coating activities to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii): The employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace, including a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazards and identification of the contaminant's chemical state and physical form:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch and Line Buildings, the employer did not identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards for the powder coating operations, including total dust and 1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,453 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR  1910.134(e)(2)(ii): The medical evaluation did not obtain the information requested by the questionnaire in Sections 1 and 2, Part A of Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the inside blasting building, outside blasting area, and Batch Building, employees who were required to use respirators did not receive a medical evaluation that obtained the information requested by the mandatory questionnaire.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting respirator was fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece was used, and at least annually thereafter:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, the employer did not ensure that employees who performed powder coating activities and were required to use elastomeric air-purifying respirators were fit tested prior to their initial use, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.  b) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Line Building, the employer did not ensure that employees who performed powder coating activities and were required to use elastomeric air-purifying respirators were fit tested prior to their initial use, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR  1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B): Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees with a condition that interfered with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the Batch and Line Building, scarfs were worn beneath elastomeric air-purifying respirators, interfering with the seal of the elastomeric respirator facepiece, and exposing employees performing powder coating activities to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(iii): For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer did not ensure that employees performed a user seal check each time they put on the respirator:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, employees performing powder coating activities did not perform a user seal check each time they put on the elastomeric air-purifying respirator, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1): Respirators were not cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or equivalent procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, respirators were cleaned with compressed air in lieu of the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134, exposing employees to inhalation and contact hazards.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

1910.134(c)(3)  The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness. 29 CFR 1910.134(h)(2)(i): Respirators were not stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals or were not packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the inside blasting building, outside blasting area, and Batch Building, respirators were stored inside the blasting area when not used and thus were subject to contamination from dust and toxic substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and beryllium, and 1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC).

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(e): Where employees were required by a particular standard to wear protective clothing because of the possibility of contamination with toxic materials, the employer did not provide change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with change rooms equipped with storage facilities.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(1): Clean change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for protective clothing and equipment, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.141(e), were not provided for employees working in regulated areas or in areas subject to the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with clean change rooms. An employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66 micrograms per cubic meter, 6.6 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inorganic arsenic of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(i)(2): The employer did not provide employees who were required to use personal protective clothing or equipment under paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this standard with a designated change room in accordance with this standard and the Sanitation standard (§ 1910.141) where employees were required to remove their personal clothing:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with a designated change room to remove their personal clothing. An employee was exposed to beryllium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.43 micrograms per cubic meter, 7.15 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 278 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 202 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(i)(2)(i): Clean change rooms were not provided for employees exposed to lead in excess of the permissible exposure limit (PEL), without regard to the use of respirators:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with clean change rooms. An employee was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $9,680 · Current $9,680

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, compressed air with pressure of up to 120 p.s.i was used for cleaning purposes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $9,680 · Current $9,680

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:   a) On January 11, 2024, in the northwest corner of the Batch Building, electrical switches inside the panel were not marked to indicate their purpose.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(d)(2): Panelboards were not mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes, or enclosures designed for the purpose and/or were not dead front:  a) On January 11, 2024, in the northwest corner of the Batch Building, the panelboard was not dead front.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.303(f)(2)  Services, feeders, and branch circuits. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. 29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  a) On December 28, 2023, next to the small batch spray booth in the Batch Building, an unused opening of the electrical box was not closed.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $11,292

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(b): Areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations under the Class and Zone system and areas designated under the Class and Division system established after August 13, 2007 were not properly documented:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, powder coating hazardous (classified) locations, areas subject to deposits of combustible residue were not properly documented for electrical classification.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c): Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, the temporary lighting panels in the spray booths were not approved for the hazardous location.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $9,680 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1)  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees 29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) total dust fraction listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8-hour Time Weighted Average concentration of 15 milligrams per cubic meter:  a) On February 5, 2024, in the Batch Building, an employee performing powder coating activities was exposed to total dust at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 37.25 milligrams per cubic meter, 2.48 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for total dust of 15 milligrams per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 423 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 57 minutes.  b) On February 28, 2024, in the Line Building, an employee performing powder coating activities was exposed to total dust at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66.31 milligrams per cubic meter, 4.42 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for total dust of 15 milligrams per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 311 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 169 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1)  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees 29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):  a) On February 5, 2024, in the Batch Building, employees were exposed to total dust above the permissible exposure limit without the employer instituting feasible administrative or engineering controls.  b) On February 28, 2024, in the Line Building, employees were exposed to total dust above the permissible exposure limit without the employer instituting feasible administrative or engineering controls.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(c): Employee(s) were exposed to inorganic arsenic at concentrations greater than 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour period:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to inorganic arsenic at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66 micrograms per cubic meter, 6.6 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inorganic arsenic of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(g)(1)(i): Engineering and work practice controls were not instituted to reduce inorganic arsenic exposure to or below the permissible exposure limit:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic above the permissible exposure limit without the employer instituting engineering or work practice controls.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(e)(2)  Initial monitoring. Each employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by this standard shall monitor each such workplace and work operation to accurately determine the airborne concentration of inorganic arsenic to which employees may be exposed. 29 CFR 1910.1018(e)(2): Initial monitoring was not performed for each workplace, or work operation covered by 29 CFR 1910.1018 to accurately determine the airborne concentration of inorganic arsenic to which employees may be exposed:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, the employer did not perform initial monitoring for an employee who performed abrasive blasting activities and was exposed to inorganic arsenic above the permissible exposure limit.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(f)(1): Regulated areas were not established where workers exposure to inorganic arsenic, without regard to the use of respirators, were in excess of the permissible limit:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a regulated area was not established for abrasive blasting operations, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to inorganic arsenic at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66 micrograms per cubic meter, 6.6 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inorganic arsenic of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(p)(2)(i): Signs bearing the legend, DANGER, INORGANIC ARSENIC, MAY CAUSE CANCER, DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE, WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IN THIS AREA, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY, were not posted demarcating regulated areas:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic above the permissible exposure limit without the employer posting signs that demarcated the blasting area.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(e)(1)(ii): The employer did not establish and maintain a regulated area wherever employees were, or could reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne beryllium at levels above the TWA PEL or STEL:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a regulated area was not established for abrasive blasting operations, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to beryllium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.43 micrograms per cubic meter, 7.15 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 278 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 202 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(m)(2)(i): The employer did not provide and display warning signs at each approach to a regulated area so that each employee was able to read and understand the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to beryllium above the permissible exposure limit without the employer providing and displaying warning signs at each approach to the blasting area.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1910.242(b)  Compressed air used for cleaning. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. 29 CFR 1910.1018(j)(2)(viii): The employer did not prohibit the removal of inorganic arsenic from protective clothing or equipment by blowing or shaking:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, employees used compressed air to remove dust containing inorganic arsenic from their protective suit.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

1910.242(b)  Compressed air used for cleaning. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. 29 CFR 1910.1024(h)(3)(ii): The employer did not ensure that beryllium was not removed from beryllium-contaminated personal protective clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking or any other means that dispersed beryllium into the air:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, employees used compressed air to remove dust containing beryllium from contaminated personal protective clothing.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

1910.242(b)  Compressed air used for cleaning. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. 29 CFR 1910.1025(g)(2)(viii): The employer did not prohibit the removal of lead from protective clothing or equipment by blowing, shaking, or any other means which disperses lead into the air:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, employees used compressed air to remove dust containing lead from protective clothing.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(2)(i): Employees working in regulated areas, or subject to the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic were not required to shower at the end of the work shift:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic above the permissible exposure limit and was not required to shower at the end of the work shift.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(i)(3)(i)(A): The employer did not provide showers in accordance with the Sanitation standard (§1910.141) where airborne exposure exceeded, or could reasonably be expected to exceed, the TWA PEL or STEL:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with shower facilities, an employee was exposed to beryllium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.43 micrograms per cubic meter, 7.15 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 278 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 202 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(i)(3)(ii): Shower facilities, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.141(d)(3), were not provided for employee(s) exposed to lead in excess of the permissible exposure limit (PEL), without regard to the use of respirators:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where employees performing abrasive blasting activities were not provided with shower facilities, an employee was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(n)(1)(i)(A): A medical surveillance program was not instituted for all employees who were or would be exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the action level, without regard to the use of respirators, at least 30 days per year:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a medical surveillance program was not instituted for employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66 micrograms per cubic meter, 6.6 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inorganic arsenic of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(o)(1)(i): A training program was not instituted for each employee who was subject to inorganic arsenic exposure above the action level, without regard to respirator use, or for whom there was a possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where an inorganic arsenic training program was not instituted for employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to inorganic arsenic at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 66 micrograms per cubic meter, 6.6 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inorganic arsenic of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(c)(1): The employer did not ensure that no employee was exposed to an airborne concentration of beryllium in excess of 0.2 µg/m3 calculated as an 8-hour TWA:   a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to beryllium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.43 micrograms per cubic meter, 7.15 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 278 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 202 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1024(f)(2)(i): The employer did not use engineering and/or work practice controls to the extent that such controls were feasible to reduce and/or maintain employee airborne exposure to or below the PEL and STEL:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to beryllium above the permissible exposure limit without the employer instituting engineering or work practice controls.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

1910.1024(f)(2)(i)  The employer must use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee airborne exposure to beryllium to or below the PEL and STEL, unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible. Wherever the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to reduce airborne exposure to or below the PELs with engineering and work practice controls, the employer must implement and maintain engineering and work practice controls to reduce airborne exposure to the lowest levels feasible and supplement these controls using respiratory protection in accordance with paragraph (g) of this standard. 29 CFR 1910.1024(d)(1): The employer did not assess the airborne exposure of each employee who was, or could reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne beryllium, in accordance with either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2) or the scheduled monitoring option in paragraph (d)(3) of this standard:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, the employer did not assess the airborne exposure of an employee who was exposed to beryllium above the permissible exposure limit.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0365

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(n)(1)(i)  Employees covered. The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for the following employees: 29 CFR 1910.1024(k)(1)(i)(A): The employer did not make medical surveillance required by this paragraph available at no cost and at a reasonable time and place to an employee who was, or was reasonably expected to be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where the employer did not make medical surveillance available to employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to beryllium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.43 micrograms per cubic meter, 7.15 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 278 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 202 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(c)(1): Employee(s) were exposed to lead at concentrations greater than fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight-hour period:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(e)(1)(i): For any employees exposed to lead above the permissible exposure limit for more than 30 days per year, the employer did not implement engineering and work practice controls (including administrative controls) to reduce and maintain employee exposure to lead:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to lead above the permissible exposure limit without the employer implementing engineering or work practice controls.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

1910.1025(c)(1)  The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to lead at concentrations greater than fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 ug/m(3)) averaged over an 8-hour period. 29 CFR 1910.1025(d)(2): An initial determination was not made to determine if any employee might be exposed to lead at or above the action level:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to lead above the action level without the employer making an initial determination.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(n)(1)(i)  Employees covered. The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for the following employees: 29 CFR 1910.1025(j)(1)(i): The employer did not institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who were or might be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a medical surveillance program was not instituted for employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(o)(1)(i)  The employer shall train each employee who is subject to exposure to inorganic arsenic above the action level without regard to respirator use, or for whom there is the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic, in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. 29 CFR 1910.1025(l)(1)(ii): The employer did not institute a training program and train each employee who was subject to exposure to lead at or above the action level, or for whom the possibility of skin or eye irritation existed, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1025:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a lead training program was not instituted for employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(o)(1)(i)  The employer shall train each employee who is subject to exposure to inorganic arsenic above the action level without regard to respirator use, or for whom there is the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic, in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. 29 CFR 1910.1025(m)(2)(i): Warning signs bearing the legend: DANGER, LEAD, MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD, CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THIS AREA, were not posted in each work area where the permissible exposure limit (PEL) was exceeded:                                                   a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where warning signs were not posted, an employee was exposed to lead at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 73 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.46 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

Hazardous substances C141

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1027(d)(1)(i): The employer did not determine whether any employee was exposed to cadmium at or above the action level:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where the employer did not determine employee exposure level of cadmium, an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to cadmium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 2.86 micrograms per cubic meter, above the action level for cadmium of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances C141

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(n)(1)(i)  Employees covered. The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for the following employees: 29 CFR 1910.1027(l)(1)(i)(A): The employer did not institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who were or potentially were exposed to cadmium at or above the action level on 30 or more days per year (twelve consecutive months):  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building where a medical surveillance program was not instituted for employees performing abrasive blasting activities, an employee was exposed to cadmium at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 2.86 micrograms per cubic meter, above the action level for cadmium of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Sampling was conducted for 445 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 35 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances C141

General-duty citation text

1910.1018(o)(1)(i)  The employer shall train each employee who is subject to exposure to inorganic arsenic above the action level without regard to respirator use, or for whom there is the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic, in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. 29 CFR 1910.1027(m)(4)(i): The employer did not institute a training program for all employees who were potentially exposed to cadmium, ensure employee participation in the program, and maintain a record of the contents of such program:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the inside blasting building, an employee was exposed to cadmium above the action level without the employer instituting a cadmium training program.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,067 · Current $8,067

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, at the facility, the employer did not develop a written hazard communication program.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): The employer did not provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  a) On or about December 28, 2023, at the facility, the employer did not train employees on hazardous chemicals in their work areas.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(1): When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceeded the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:  a) On January 11, 2024, in the outside blasting area where a noise monitoring program was not developed and implemented, when an employee performing abrasive blasting activities was exposed to noise at 632.8% of the permissible daily noise exposure (8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 90 dBA) or an equivalent sound level of approximately 103.3 dBA. Sampling was conducted for 452 minutes of one work shift. Zero exposure was assumed for the remaining 28 minutes.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.107(l)(4)(iii): "No Smoking" signs in large letters on contrasting color background were not conspicuously posted at all powder coating areas and powder storage rooms:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building and Line Building, "No Smoking" signs were not posted at the powder coating areas.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3): Portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check:  a) On February 28, 2024, in the Batch Building, a portable fire extinguisher had not been inspected and maintained for more than 12 months.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $906 · Current $906

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii): An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance was not conducted at least once every three years:  a) On December 28, 2023, in the Batch Building, a forklift operator did not receive an evaluation at least once every three years.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Aug 12, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6): The employer did not certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l):  a) On December 28, 2023, at the facility, the employer did not certify that each forklift operator had been trained and evaluated.

Issued

Jun 28, 2024

Abate by

Jul 22, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and/or cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:  a) On February 5, 2023, in the big batch spray booth of the Batch Building, flexible cords of the powder applicator were run through a hole in the spray booth wall.