OSHA Inspection: ABBOTT BALL COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $3,702 · Current $1,851 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(3)(i):  The employer did not ensure that each employee is protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level by one or more of the following methods listed in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(i)(A)-(D):  Heat Treat:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, railings/chains provided at the following rotary furnaces did not meet the construction requirements for standard guardrails or the equivalent:  A.	Furnace #8. B.	Furnace #5. C.	Furnace #1. D.	Furnace #15.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $2,776 · Current $1,388 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.101(b):  The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks were not in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in CFR 1910.6:  Ref. 3.3.1, Ref. 2006 CGA P-1 5.7.4.  Weld Shop:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, an argon and an acetylene cylinder were stored, unsecured.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.253(b)(4)(iii):  Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least on half of an hour:  Weld Shop, Exterior of Building:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, an acetylene cylinder was stored next to two oxygen cylinders.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,356 · Current $2,178 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.133(a)(1):  Protective face equipment was not required where there was a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented by such equipment:  Heat Treat:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, OH-25, a corrosive liquid with a pH of >13 was poured over parts to inhibit rust.  An employee was not wearing face protection while applying the solution.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.138(a):  The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes:  Heat Treat:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, OH-25, a corrosive liquid with a pH of >13 was poured over parts to inhibit rust.  An employee was not wearing hand protection while applying the solution.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $5,445 · Current $2,723 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(4)(i):  Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, Machine #460, a V&O full revolution mechanical power press was not locked out while the cutters in the die set were being changed.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(5)(i):Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware were not provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources:  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, a die block or similar device was not used to support the ram of Machine #460, a V&O full revolution mechanical power press while cutters in the die set where being changed.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A):  Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control:  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, employees who performed tasks such as, but not limited to, changing cutters in die sets for the "choppers" were not trained as authorized employees under the employer's Lock Out Tag Out program.  Abatement Note:  Per 29 CFR 1910.147(b), an affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's job duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under 29 CFR 1910.147.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $5,445 · Current $2,723 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1):  Machine guarding was not provided to protect operator(s) and other employees from hazard(s) created by the rotating parts, pinch points, turnover bars and the unused portion of a blade:  On, or about April 3 through 5, 2024, in the following locations, adequate machine safeguarding was not provided on the following machines:   A.	In the following locations, cold headers were not provided with an interlocked cover and were not provided with two hand jog controls and/or a spring-loaded turnover bar (or the equivalent):  1.	Upper Header Line: a.	Machine 334. b.	Machine 452. c.	Machine 464. d.	Machine 474. e.	Machine 453. f.	Machine 462. g.	Machine 334. h.	Machine 472. i.	Machine 473. j.	Machine 452. k.	Machine 464. 2.	Middle Header Line: a.	Machine 106. b.	Machine 339. c.	Machine 333. d.	Machine 332. e.	Machine 331. 3.	Lower Header Line: a.	Machine 343. b.	Machine 107. c.	Machine 114. d.	Machine 112. e.	Machine 113. f.	Machine 105.  B.	Plate Dressing:   1.	Two Bullard vertical turret lathes (VTL's) were not provided with a guard or awareness barrier that covered the rotating table to a height of at least 42 inches above the level on which the operator stands. 2.	The lower blade pulley and unused portion of the blade was exposed on the Do-All vertical band saw, serial number 2837577.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $3,266 · Current $1,633 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(4):  Revolving drum(s), barrel(s), or container(s) were not guarded by enclosure(s) which were interlocked with the drive mechanism so that the barrel(s), drum(s), or container(s) could not revolve unless the enclosure(s) were in place:  On, or about, April 3 through April 5, 2024, in the following locations, rotating equipment was not adequately safeguarded:  A.	White Room:  The cover interlocks were not operational on the following centrifuge spin dryers: 1.	Barrett #4. 2.	Barrett #1.  B.	Tumbling:  1.	Tumbler #5:  The angled barrier guard did not cover rotating parts. 2.	Tumbler #6:  The angled barrier guard did not cover rotating parts. 3.	Tumber #7:  The interlock provided on the access cover was not operational and the angled barrier guard did not cover rotating parts. 4.	Tumbler #8:  The interlock provided on the access cover was not operational and the angled barrier guard did not cover rotating parts. 5.	Tumbler #17:  The interlock provided on the access cover was not operational and the angled barrier guard did not cover rotating parts. 6.	Tumbler #27:  The access cover was not interlocked. 7.	Tumbler #28:  The machine was not provided with an interlocked access cover.    C.	Special Ball:  1.	Two "tabletop" sized tumbling barrels were not provided with any type of enclosure. 2.	Four "countertop" sized tumbling barrels were not provided with any type of enclosure.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $3,266 · Current $1,633 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.217(c)(2)(i)(a):  Point of operation guard(s) on mechanical power press(es) did not prevent entry of hands or fingers into the point of operation by reaching through, over, under or around the guard(s):  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a barrier guard or other safeguarding was not provided on the right side of Machine #459, a V&O full revolution mechanical power press.  The rest of the press was provided with an interlocked plexiglass enclosure.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.217(d)(9)(ii):  Spring loaded turnover bars were not provided for mechanical power press(es) designed to accept such turnover bars:  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a non-spring-loaded turnover bar was used at Machine #338, a Perkins full revolution mechanical power press.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.217(f)(3):  Floors surrounding mechanical power press(es) were not kept in good condition and free from obstructions, grease, oil or water:  Lower Header Line:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, the floor surrounding Machine #459, a V&O full revolution mechanical power press was littered with buckets, bins, a chute a stand and cardboard.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $3,266 · Current $1,633 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A):  For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts (as measured from the live parts where they were exposed or from the enclosure front or opening where they were enclosed) was less than indicated in Table S-1 of Subpart S of Part 1910:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, electrical panels in the following locations were not provided with sufficient working space:  A.	New Flash Room:  General Electric Load Center. B.	Plate Dressing:  A wall mounted buss plug panel for Machines 17 and 18. C.	Grinding Department:  Grinding machine #40 was installed in the working space for a generator panel provided for the compressor, boiler and server.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C):  For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the width of work space was not clear and did not extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of 29 CFR 1910.303.  Other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment extended more than 153 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electric equipment:  Grinding Department:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a General Electric step-up transformer was located in the working space for a General Electric A Series panelboard.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1)(ii):  The required working space about electric equipment rated 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, was used for storage:  In the following locations, items were stored in front on electrical panels:  A.	Heat Treat, near Weld Shop door:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, access to a 220-volt panelboard was blocked by material and equipment in storage.   B.	Heat Treat, Behind Furnace #8:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, the workspace in front of various switches and overcurrent panels was blocked by material and equipment in storage such as sheet metal pieces and machine parts. C.	New Flash Room:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, the workspace in front of a General Electric Load Center provided for general wiring was used for storage.  D.	Tumbling Room:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a chair and airline were located in the working space for the orange wall mounted lighting panel.   E.	Lower Header Room:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a rack of machine parts was stored on the floor under an orange Electri-Center panel board that energized light circuits.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $2,776 · Current $1,388 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.304(b)(4):  Outlet devices had an ampere rating less than the load being served:  In the following locations, electrical outlets energized equipment that exceeded the rating of the receptacle:  A.	Heat Treat Break Room:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, a toaster oven, microwave oven and a refrigerator were energized through the same 20 ampere wall outlet through a splitter.  The combined load on the receptacle was calculated to be 30.4 amperes.    Abatement Note:  The office enclosure was served by one circuit.  Other electrical equipment in the room included a coffee maker and a wall mounted heater.  Either the electrical load for the circuit should be reduced or an additional circuit should be provided for the room.  B.	Plate Dressing:  A Metabo portable angle grinder was energized through a 15 ampere relocatable power tap.  The grinder was rated for 14.5 amperes.  The relocatable power tap had multiple receptacles and per Table S-4, was only allowed to have loads of 80% of the rated load or less, which was 12 amperes.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $3,266 · Current $1,633 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A):  Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:  In the following locations, flexible cords were used lieu of permanent wiring:  A.	Shipping:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, an orange and black extension cord was run from a wall mounted receptacle over to the shipping desk to energize a computer.   B.	Special Ball:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, a yellow extension cord was used to energize a light fixture and a sandblasting cabinet.   Also, buss drop cable was sitting on top of the cage enclosure to energize a scrap chopper.   C.	Boiler House, Quality Lab Exterior:  On, or about, April 16, 2024: 1.	A sump pump was energized through an extension cord.  2.	A coffee pot was energized through a two-wire extension cord with a 3 prong to 2 prong grounding adapter. 3.	A heat gun was energized through an orange extension cord.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.334(a)(3)(ii):  Attachment plugs and receptacles were connected or altered in a manner which prevented proper continuity of the electric equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs were attached to receptacles:  Boiler House, Quality Lab Exterior:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, a coffee pot was energized through a two-wire extension cord with a 3 prong to 2 prong grounding adapter.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,356 · Current $2,178 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.335(a)(1)(i):  Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards did not wear electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body that needed to be protected and for the work being performed:  Plant:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, voltage rated gloves, voltage rated tools, fire resistive, face shields, balaclavas, hard hats and hearing protection were not worn by employees who performed live electrical work, including trouble-shooting, or who verified that electrical equipment was properly de-energized.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.335(a)(1)(ii):  Protective equipment was not maintained in a safe, reliable condition and/or was not periodically inspected or tested:  Plant:  On, or about, April 16, 2024, a pair of North Class 2 voltage rated gloves had not been tested since July 1995.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.25(b)(1): The employer did not ensure that handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with � 1910.28:  Lower Heading Line:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, a set of stairs that led from the Maintenance Shop to the Lower Heading Line was not provided with a midrail on each open side.   Ref. 29 CFR 1910.29(f)(4)

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.169(b)(3)(i):  Compressed air receiver(s) were not equipped with one or more spring-loaded safety valves:  Compressor Hallway:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, a pressure relief valve was not provided on the large, red air receiver.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  Header Tool Room:  On, or about, April 5, 2024, the tongue guard provided on the left side of the Baldor bench mounted grinder was not adjusted within one quarter of an inch of the wheel.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Abate by

Aug 7, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  Old Flash Room:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, an electrical box mounted on the wall behind #1 was not labelled to indicate its purpose.  The box contained overcurrent equipment for a ceiling fan.

Issued

Jun 20, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.334(a)(2)(ii):  There was a defect or evidence of damage that could have exposed an employee to injury and the defective or damaged item was not removed from service:  New Flash Room:  On, or about, April 3, 2024, the jacket of a three-way extension cord was pulled from the female plug connection, exposing the inner conductors.