OSHA Inspection: APPALACHIAN WOOD FLOORS, INC.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,690 · Current $13,690

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(1): Surface conditions. The employer must ensure: All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.   a) On or about May 30, 2024, in the Dimensions Department, the employer did not ensure that the flexible power cables running to the Rip Saw PROFIRIP340 were not laid on the floor in the Rip Saw #1 area. Employees walking to and from that area were exposed to trip and fall hazards when stepping over the cables.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $31,939 · Current $19,163 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section.     a) On or about May 28, 2024, the employer did not ensure energy control procedures were utilized by each authorized employee assigned to perform servicing and maintenance activities to include troubleshooting on the Rip Saw #2.  b) On or about May 24, 2024 the employer did not ensure energy control procedures were utilized by each authorized employee assigned to perform servicing and maintenance activities to include blade changes on the Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2.  c) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control procedure was utilized to control electrical energy when employees were cleaning glue from the two rollers on Double Glue Line Coater. Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts.  d) On or about July 26, 2024, in the Pre-Finish Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control procedure was utilized to control electrical energy when employees were cleaning the eight sections (H, I, D, O, T, Z, JJ, QQ) of the Pre-Finish Line for color change-overs. Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts.   e) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Engineered Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control procedure was utilized to control electrical and pneumatic energies when the operator was setting up Kentwood Moulder for product size changeover. Operators were exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts such as, but not limited to moulder heads.    The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence:  (d)(1) Preparation for shutdown. Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.  (d)(2) Machine or equipment shutdown. The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.  (d)(3) Machine or equipment isolation. All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s).  (d)(4) Lockout or tagout device application. Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.  (d)(5) Stored energy. Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe.  (d)(6) Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.    a) On or about May 28, 2024 the employer did not ensure employees controlled the hazardous energy of Rip Saw #2 utilizing sequence (d)(1) through (d)(6) while conducting troubleshooting, exposing employees to the point of operation of the saw.      b) On or about May 24, 2024 the employer did not ensure employees controlled the hazardous energy of Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2 utilizing sequence (d)(1) through (d)(6) while changing blades, exposing employees to the point of operation of the saw.   c) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control sequence (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3), (d)(4), (d)(5), and (d)(6) was applied to control electrical energy when employees were cleaning glue from the two rollers on Double Glue Line Coater.  Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts.  d) On or about July 26, 2024, in the Pre-Finish Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control sequence (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3), (d)(4), (d)(5), and (d)(6) was applied to control electrical energy when employees were cleaning the eight sections (H, I, D, O, T, Z, JJ, QQ) of the pre-finish line for color change-over. Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-on hazards of the rotating parts.  e) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Engineered Department, the employer did not ensure that the energy control sequence (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3), (d)(4), (d)(5), and (d)(6) was applied to control electrical and pneumatic energies when the operator was setting up Kentwood Moulder for product size changeover. Operators were exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts such as, but not limited to Moulder heads.      The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.147(d), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 4b and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $31,939 · Current $19,163 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): Energy Control Procedure. The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:  (c)(4)(ii)(A) A specific statement of the intended use of the procedure;  (c)(4)(ii)(B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy;  (c)(4)(ii)(C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and  (c)(4)(ii)(D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.   a) On or about May 24, 2024, in the Dimensions Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine-specific lockout procedure for the Rip Line was adequate in that it did not address: - pneumatic as an energy source for the pressure rollers; - a specific scope and purpose statement for Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2 blade changes as servicing and maintenance activity; - the correct sequence of lockout with specific steps for shutdown, isolation of each energy source, application of lockout devices at energy isolating devices, and release of any stored energy; and, - clear and specific verification steps identifying the controls for attempting to start the equipment after isolation. Employees were changing blades on Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2 and had their hands and fingers exposed to contact with rotating blades.     b) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine-specific lockout procedure for the Double Glue Line Rollcoater was adequate in that it did not address:  - gravity as an energy source for the raising of the doors on both sides of the machine;  - a specific scope and purpose statement including the rollers' cleaning as servicing and maintenance activity; - the correct sequence of lockout with specific steps for shutdown, isolation of the energy source, application of a lockout device at the energy isolating device, and release of any stored energy; and, - clear and specific verification steps identifying the controls for attempting to start the equipment after isolation. Employees were cleaning glue from the two energized rollers and had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-on hazards of the rotating parts.   c) On or about July 26, 2024, in the Pre-finish Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine-specific lockout procedures for the eight color sections H, I, D, O, T, Z, JJ, QQ, of the Pre-finish Line were adequate in that they did not address:  - specific scope and purpose statements including the rollers' cleaning and color change-overs as servicing and maintenance activities; - the correct sequence of lockout with specific steps for shutdown, isolation of the energy source, application of a lockout device at the energy isolating device, and release of any stored energy; and, - clear and specific verification steps identifying the controls for attempting to start the equipment after isolation. Employees were cleaning the eight sections of the Pre-Finish Line for color change-overs and had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-on hazards of the rotating parts.  d) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Engineered Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine-specific lockout procedure for the Kentwood Moulder was adequate in that it did not address:  - a specific scope and purpose statement including setup for product size changeovers as servicing and maintenance activity; - the correct sequence of lockout with specific steps for shutdown, isolation of each energy source, application of lockout devices at energy isolating devices, and release of any stored energy; and, - clear and specific verification steps identifying the controls for attempting to start the equipment after isolation. Employees were setting up energized equipment for product size changeover and were exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts such as, but not limited to moulder heads.    The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 4a and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): Periodic inspection. The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.    a) On or about May 30, 2024, the employer did not conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedure of the Rip Line including Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2 to ensure the procedure was adequate and the requirements of the standard were being followed during blade changes and blade, troubleshooting of the Weinig Profirip rip saw.   b) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that the periodic inspection of the machine-specific energy control procedure for the Double Glue Line Coater was conducted. Employees were cleaning glue from the two energized rollers and had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts.   c) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Engineered Department, the employer did not ensure that the periodic inspection of the machine-specific energy control procedure for the Kentwood Moulder was conducted. Employees were setting up energized equipment for product size changeover and were exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts such as, but not limited to moulder heads.   The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 5 and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Apr 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $31,939 · Current $19,163 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Training and Communication. Each authorized employee shall 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.    a) On or about May 24, 2024, and on May 28, 2024, in the Dimensions Department, the employer did not ensure that each employee assigned to change blades and troubleshoot on the energized Rip Saw #1 and Rip Saw #2 was trained as a lockout authorized employee on the methods and means necessary for electrical energy isolation and control prior to starting work. Employees had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-on hazards of the rotating parts likely to result in serious injury because they were not familiar with how to lockout for these tasks.    b) On or about October 1, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that each operator assigned to clean the energized Double Glue Line Coater was trained as a lockout authorized employee on the methods and means necessary for electrical energy isolation and control prior to starting work. Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts likely to result in serious injury because they were not familiar with how to lockout for this task.   c) On or about July 26, 2024 in the Pre-Finish Department, the employer did not ensure that each operator assigned to clean and change-over colors on the eight sections (H, I, D, O, T, Z, JJ, QQ) of the energized Pre-Finish Line was trained as a lockout authorized employee on the methods and means necessary for electrical energy isolation and control. Employees wiping roller surfaces had their hands and fingers exposed to caught-in hazards of the rotating parts likely to result in serious injury because they were not familiar with when and how to lockout for this task.    The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 6a and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $13,688 · Current $6,921 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(b)(6): Machine controls and equipment. Each operating treadle shall be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping.    a) On or about May 30, 2024, the three operating treadles at the Hoist Feed Deck were not protected by inverted U-shape covers or other means against unexpected activation or accidental tripping. The left pedal operated the unguarded chain and sprocket located approximately 28 inches from the operator location.    The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.213(b)(6), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 8 and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $31,939 · Current $19,163 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(r)(4): Miscellaneous woodworking machines. The mention of specific machines in paragraphs (a) thru (q) and this paragraph (r) of this section, inclusive, is not intended to exclude other woodworking machines from the requirement that suitable guards and exhaust hoods be provided to reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of operation of such machines.    a) On or about May 28, 2024, in the Dimensions Department, the employer did not ensure that Rip Saw #2 had its point-of-operation adequately guarded. Operators were taking measurements in the danger zone and had their hands and fingers exposed to contact with rotating blades likely to result in serious injury because access to the danger zone was permitted when opening the hood with a bypassed safety interlocking device.  b) On or about July 30, 2024, in Engineered Department, the employer did not ensure that Cantek-PCS18 Chop Saw #1 and Chop Saw #2 had their points-of-operations adequately guarded. Operators had their hands and fingers exposed to contact with cycling saw blades likely to result in serious injury because access to the danger zone was permitted from the discharge ends where they were placing their hands to catch the cut boards.   c) On or about July 30, 2024, in Pre-Finish Department, the employer did not ensure the Pre-Finish machine, section H, had its point-of-operation adequately guarded. Operators had their hands and fingers exposed to the in-going nip points of the rotating rollers likely to result in serious injury because the covers were kept in the up and opened positions during normal production.   The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.213(r)(4), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 1, item number 10 and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Ave Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $4,562 · Current $2,737 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.213(a)(9): All belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and moving parts shall be guarded in accordance with the specific requirements of 1910.219.   29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform.   a) On or about May 30, 2024, the tilt hoist in the Dimensions Department did not have its chain and sprocket adequately guarded where the cut-out in the enclosure permitted access to the rotating parts. Operators had their hands exposed to caught-in pinch point hazards of the running chain and sprocket when working in the area.   b) On or about July 30, 2024, the nesting conveyor belt in the Engineering Department did not have its chain and sprocket adequately guarded where the physical barrier was pulled away leaving an approximate 8 in. x 4 in. wide access opening. Operators had their hands exposed to caught-in pinch point hazard on the running chain and rotating sprocket when reaching nearby to pull wood boards.  c) On or about July 30, 2024, the in-feeder conveyor in the Solid Department did not have its chains and sprockets adequately guarded where the cut-outs in the black enclosure permitted access to the rotating parts. Operators had their hands exposed to caught-in pinch point hazards of the running chain and rotating sprockets when pulling wooden sticks on the adjacent belt conveyor below.   The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of  its equivalent Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1626768, citation number 2, item number 4 and was affirmed as a final order on March 4, 2024, with respect to a workplace located at 838 Campbell Street Portsmouth, OH 45662.  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. DBA Graf Custom Hardwood was previously cited for a violation of its equivalent Occupational Safety and Health Standard 29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1607293, citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on September 27, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at 2335 Charles Street Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii): Training Program Implementation. Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.     a) On or about May 30, 2024, in the Dimensions Department, the employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator received forklift training that consisted of formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of the operator's performance prior to operating the Toyota forklift.

Issued

Nov 20, 2024

Abate by

Dec 17, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(iii): Truck Operations. When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement.    a) On or about May 30, 2024, employees working in the Dimensions building were exposed to struck-by and tripping hazards due to a forklift operator dismounting the Toyota forklift without fully lowering the forks and setting the brake to prevent movement.