OSHA Inspection: WHEELER TANK MANUFACTURING, INC.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $5,323 · Current $3,134 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure the emergency exit route running between the paint booth and abrasive blasting booth was maintained free of obstructions in that equipment and materials were stored along the route. Obstructions of emergency exit routes could impede and prevent employees from exiting the area in the event of an emergency.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $7,098 · Current $4,529 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(m)(2): Smoking was not prohibited and "No Smoking" signs were not prominently displayed in any area where dual component coatings are stored, mixed and applied:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure that smoking was prohibited in areas where dual component coatings are stored, mixed and applied. Cigarette waste was present in the area surrounding and inside of the paint booth. This condition exposed employees to fire hazards. Smoking introduces ignition sources in areas where flammable dual component coatings were stored, mixed and applied.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 Reduced

Hazardous substances I200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1000(b)(1): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of both total and respirable iron particulate, covered in Table Z-2 as particulates not otherwise regulated, was in excess of the associated 8-hour Time Weighted Average permissible exposure limits:   (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, an employee's exposure to total iron dust when performing work in the abrasive blasting booth was measured to be approximately  180 mg/m^3 as an 8-hour time weighted average ("8-Hr TWA") which is above the permissible exposure limit for particulate not otherwise regulated of 15 mg/m^3 as a 8-Hr TWA.  Occupational exposure to dust is a risk to workers' health because it is significantly associated with respiratory conditions such as but not limited to asthma, lung cancer, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other interstitial lung diseases.   (b)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, an employee's exposure to respirable iron dust when performing work in the abrasive blasting booth was measured to be approximately 40 mg/m^3 as an 8-hour time weighted average ("8-Hr TWA") which is above the permissible exposure limit for particulate not otherwise regulated of 5 mg/m^3 as a 8-Hr TWA. Occupational exposure to dust is a risk to workers' health because it is significantly associated with respiratory conditions such as but not limited to asthma, lung cancer, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other interstitial lung diseases.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0560

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(i)(7): Oil lubricated compressors used to supply breathing air did not have a carbon monoxide alarm(s) or both:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from exposure to carbon monoxide in that the Sullair Model 20-100H ACAC oil-lubricated compressor (Serial Number: 003-81114) used to provide breathing air to employees using supplied air respirators did not have a carbon monoxide alarm.  When any malfunction occurs, significant amounts of carbon monoxide could be produced by lubricant breakdown when the compressor cylinder head reaches a high temperature.  (b)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from exposure to carbon monoxide in that the Sullair ES-8 oil-lubricated compressor used to provide breathing air to employees using supplied air respirators did not have a carbon monoxide alarm.  When any malfunction occurs, significant amounts of carbon monoxide could be produced by lubricant breakdown when the compressor cylinder head reaches a high temperature.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(e)(3)(i): The employer did not ensure follow-up medical examinations for employees were completed prior to fit testing and use of respirators at the workplace:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure all employees who were required to wear a respirator were provided a medical evaluation prior to use.   Note:  The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(f)(2): Employee(s) using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator were not annually fit tested:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees required to use respiratory protection as part of their work completed fit tests at least annually. Fit testing confirms the respirator forms a tight seal on the wearer's face before it is used in the workplace. This ensures that users are receiving the expected level of protection by minimizing any leakage of hazardous chemicals into the facepiece.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(h)(4): Respirators that failed an inspection or were otherwise found to be defective were not removed from service and discarded or repaired:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure that employees removed the NOVA abrasive blasting hood from service when the collar was found to be defective and not providing an appropriate seal. This condition exposed employees to chemical hazards.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Sep 30, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $7,098 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(e)(1): Before entry was authorized, the employer did not document the completion of measures required by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing an entry permit:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, a entry permit was not completed to document the completion of measures required by this part prior to an employee entering a tank to perform abrasive blasting. This condition exposed an employee to hazards related to work in a permit required confined space including hazardous atmospheric conditions.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Sep 30, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(6):The employer did not provide at least one attendant outside the permit space into which entry was authorized for the duration of entry operations:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure an attendant was provided for abrasive blasting performed on the interior of a tank to comply with requirements of this part. This condition exposed an employee to hazards related to work in a permit required confined space including hazardous atmospheric conditions.   Note: Requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(3) may apply to work outside the permit required confined space in booths.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $5,323 · Current $3,134 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.215(b)(9):The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, The employer did not ensure employees were protected from struck-by hazards in that the DELTA Model 23-880 8-inch bench grinder (S/N: KM8702) was not provided with an adjustable tongue guard to prevent pieces of the grinding wheel from harming nearby workers should the grinding wheel shatter. This condition exposed employees to struck-by hazards.   Note:  Use only for bench, floor, or cylindrical grinders.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $5,323 · Current $3,134 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(a)(2)(i): Temporary electrical power and lighting installation(s) 600 volts, nominal, or less were used in prohibited manners:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from electrical hazards in that temporary electrical wiring was used in excess of 90 days to power to fluorescent lighting in the paint employee locker area and adjacent work areas. This condition exposed employees to shock and burn hazards.   Note:  Temporary electrical power and lighting installation(s) may only be used as specified by 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(A) through 1910.305(a)(2)(i)(C).

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by Subpart S of Part 1910, live parts of electric equipment operating  at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the means identified in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i):  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from electrical hazards in that the wiring methods used to power the fluorescent lighting in the vicinity of the paint employee locker room did not utilize enclosures or other means to reduce employee exposure to energized components. The fluorescent lighting was powered by temporary wiring (extension cords) being connected to the lighting by use of wire connectors. This condition exposed employees to shock and burn hazards.   Note: Lighting within 20 feet of a spraying area and not separated by a partition are additionally required to be totally enclosed per 29 CFR 1910.107(c)(1).

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,324 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1026(i)(5):The employer did not ensure that employees did not eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in regulated areas, or in areas where skin or eye contact with chromium (VI) occurred; or carried the products associated with these activities, or stored such products in these areas:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from health hazards of hexavalent chromium in that employees stored and consumed/used tobacco and beverages in regulated areas of the stainless steel shop. These activities can increase employee occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure include occupational asthma, eye irritation and damage, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, liver damage, pulmonary congestion and edema, upper abdominal pain, nose irritation and damage, respiratory cancer, skin irritation, and erosion and discoloration of the teeth.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $10,646 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(6): Each exit sign was not illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure the exit sign of the southeast emergency exit door was illuminated. Lack of illumination of exit signs  could impede and prevent employees from reducing their exposure to incipient hazards, e.g. a fire.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1370523, citation number 2, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $10,646 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(e)(2):The quantity of flammable or combustible liquids kept in the vicinity of spraying operation(s) exceeded the minimum required for operation:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure flammable or combustible liquids kept in the paint booth did not exceed the minimum required for operations.  This condition exposed employees to increased fire hazards in that excess flammable or combustible materials kept in the paint booth increase the fire loading of the booth. Flammable or combustible materials kept in the paint booth included but are not limited to; paints, two-part finishes and thinners.  (b)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 6, 2024, the employer did not ensure flammable or combustible liquids kept in the paint booth did not exceed the minimum required for operations.  This condition exposed employees to increased fire hazards in that excess flammable or combustible materials kept in the paint booth increase the fire loading of the booth. Flammable or combustible materials kept in the paint booth included open containers of flammable liquids allowed to evaporate in the paint booth.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1373004, citation number 1, item number 1-c and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $14,196 · Current $12,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A):Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces were worn by employees who had facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interfered with valve function:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, employees required to wear respiratory protection when working with hazardous chemicals were not required to be free of facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face. Facial hair can cause unreliable respirator fit and, therefore, present a higher potential for leakage of hazardous chemicals into the respirator.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1373004, citation number 1, item number 2-c and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

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)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, respirators were not stored appropriately to prevent defect and contamination in the stainless steel shop. A 3M half mask respirator with P95 cartridges was observed stored in ambient conditions. Employee use of defective or contaminated respirators can cause increased exposure to hazardous chemicals.  (b)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, respirators were not stored appropriately to prevent defect and contamination in the large tank shop. A 3M half mask respirator with P95 cartridges was observed stored in ambient conditions. Employee use of defective or contaminated respirators can cause increased exposure to hazardous chemicals.  (c)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, respirators were not stored appropriately to prevent defect and contamination in the abrasive blasting/painting department. A 3M half mask respirator with P100 cartridges was observed stored in ambient conditions. Employee use of defective or contaminated respirators can cause increased exposure to hazardous chemicals.  (d)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, respirators were not stored appropriately to prevent defect and contamination in the abrasive blasting booth. A Nova abrasive blasting hood was observed on the floor of the abrasive blasting booth  in ambient conditions. Employee use of defective or contaminated respirators can cause increased exposure to hazardous chemicals.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1373004, citation number 1, item number 2-e and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $24,842 · Current $15,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1026(c): Employees were exposed to an airborne concentration of chromium (VI) which exceeded 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air, as an 8-hour time-weighted average:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, an employee's exposure to hexavalent chromium when performing work in the stainless tank shop was measured to be approximately  6.16 ug/m^3 as an 8-hour time weighted average ("8-Hr TWA") which is above the permissible exposure limit for hexavalent chromium of 5 ug/m^3 as a 8-Hr TWA.  Adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure include occupational asthma, eye irritation and damage, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, liver damage, pulmonary congestion and edema, upper abdominal pain, nose irritation and damage, respiratory cancer, skin irritation, and erosion and discoloration of the teeth.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1373004, citation number 1, item number 4-a and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Issued

Jun 10, 2024

Abate by

Jul 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0689

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1026(f)(1)(i): Feasible engineering controls and work practices were not instituted to reduce and maintain employee exposures to chromium (VI) at or below the permissible exposure limit:  (a)Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104: On or about and at times prior to February 27, 2024, an employee's exposure to hexavalent chromium when performing work in the stainless tank shop was measured to be approximately  6.16 ug/m^3 as an 8-hour time weighted average ("8-Hr TWA") which is above the permissible exposure limit for hexavalent chromium of 5 ug/m^3 as a 8-Hr TWA. The company had not ensured effective engineering controls and work practices were instituted to reduce employee exposure to hexavalent chromium.  Adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure include occupational asthma, eye irritation and damage, perforated eardrums, respiratory irritation, kidney damage, liver damage, pulmonary congestion and edema, upper abdominal pain, nose irritation and damage, respiratory cancer, skin irritation, and erosion and discoloration of the teeth.  The Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1373004, citation number 1, item number 4-b and was affirmed as a final order on June 11, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at 4001 North 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.