OSHA Inspection: METAL FINISHING CO., INC.

Issued

Mar 26, 2024

Abate by

Apr 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,296 · Current $11,407

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:  At the workplace located at 1630 West Harry St. Wichita, Kansas 67213, employee(s) engaged in zinc coating/processing operations in the zinc line area of the facility are exposed to pulmonary hazards and/or cardiac stress hazards when using employer required respirators.  The employer requires employee(s) to wear 3M half-mask 7503/37083 silicone respirators with organic vapor (OV) cartridges when handling hazardous chemicals without having been provided medical evaluations prior to respirator use.

Issued

Mar 26, 2024

Abate by

Apr 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,222 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): Employee(s) using tight-fitting facepiece respirators were not fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator:  At the workplace located at 1630 West Harry St. Wichita, Kansas 67213, employee(s) engaged in zinc coating/processing operations in the zinc line area of the facility are exposed to health hazards in that the employer had not provided a fit test for employees required to use respirators prior to use. Employee(s) are required to wear 3M half-mask 7503/37083 silicone respirators with organic vapor (OV) cartridges when handling hazardous chemicals.

Issued

Mar 26, 2024

Abate by

Apr 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $6,222 · Current $4,978 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k):The employer did not provide comprehensive, understandable training which did not occur annually and/or more often if necessary:  Employee(s) engaged in zinc coating/processing operations in the zinc line area of the facility are exposed to health hazards in that they are required to wear respirators and the employer had not provided employees with comprehensible and understandable training. The employer requires employee(s) to wear 3M half-mask 7503/37083 silicone respirators with organic vapor (OV) cartridges when handling hazardous chemicals. The training must include:  a) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; b) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are; c) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; d) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator; e) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator; and f) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.

Issued

Mar 26, 2024

Abate by

Apr 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,296 · Current $8,296

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8): The employer did not ensure that Safety Data Sheets were readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they were in their work area(s):  At the workplace located at 1630 West Harry St. Wichita, Kansas 67213, employee(s) engaged in zinc coating/processing operations in the zinc line area of the facility are exposed to chemical hazards. Employee(s) are not able to readily access the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for nitric acid, Lanthane Blue 126, muriatic acid, boric acid, potassium chloride, zinc chloride, Zinni antifoam, Zylite HT additive, Zylite HT MB brightener, caustic soda - liquid, LEC-201C, and zinc metal in their work area. The chemical hazards associated with these chemicals include: severe skin and eye irritation/burns, dizziness and/or nausea, respiratory tract irritation, severe gastrointestinal burns/irritation, corrosive and destructive to tissue, is suspected of causing cancer, and can be fatal in inhaled.