OSHA Inspection: THYBAR CORPORATION

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,222 · Current $3,111 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure walking-working surfaces were maintained free of tripping hazards due to poor housekeeping and excessive use of extension cords in and around each welding stations. Employees were exposed to slips, trips, and/or falls which could result in injuries such as sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries, and dislocated joints or fractures.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $8,296 · Current $4,148 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(ii): In addition, the employer must establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user.   On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user. CSHO observed respirators not properly stored. The employer did not provide medical evaluations for all employees voluntarily wearing respirators. Employees were exposed to respiratory hazards and illnesses from welding fumes and to potential stressors on the respiratory system from the respirator which can exacerbate undiagnosed respiratory illnesses.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $14,518 · Current $7,259 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1): General requirements. Abrasive wheels shall be used only on machine provided with safety guards as defined in paragraph (c) (1) through (4) of this section.  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure abrasive wheels on multiple portable angle grinders were provided with safety guards. Employees were exposed to caught-in and amputation hazards.  The following instances were observed: (a) Dewalt DWE4011 4.5'' Angle Grinder- missing guard at Station 2 (b) Metabo Angle Grinder- missing guard Station 8 (c) Metabo WP 11-125 Angle grinder- missing guard Station 9 (d) Dewalt DWE4011 Angle Grinder- missing guard Station 10 (e) Milwaukee 7/9'' Angle Grinder Model# 6088-30- missing guard Station 11 (f) Dewalt DWE4011 Angle Grinder #1- missing guards Station 11 (g) Dewalt DWE4011 Angle Grinder #2- missing guards Station 11  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,445 · Current $6,223 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(B): Goggles or other suitable eye protection shall be used during all gas welding or oxygen cutting operations. Spectacles without side shields, with suitable filter lenses are permitted for use during gas welding operations on light work, for torch brazing or for inspection.  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees used suitable eye protection during gas welding operations. Employees were exposed to eye injuries from the welding rays.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $10,372 · Current $5,186 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1): Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the considerations described in 1910.303(b)(1)(i)-1910.303(b)(1)(viii).  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure electric equipment was free from recognized hazards. Employees were exposed to electrical shock and burn hazards.   The following instances were observed: (a) Near Station 9- a welding lead was observed to have electrical tape around damaged insulation and exposed wires in a separate spot on the same lead due to damaged insulation. (IMG_3739) (b) Near Station 10- a Milwaukee 7''/9'' grinder was observed ready for use with electrical tape wrapped around the cord due to damaged insulation. (IMG_3741; IMG_3752) (c) Near Station 9- an angle grinder was observed to be plugged in ready for use with electrical tape wrapped around the cord due to damaged insulation. (IMG_3693) (d) Near Station 6- a Miller wire feed was observed suspended in the air over the working area with a damaged bracket, not properly secured and the damaged bracket had electric cables taped to it. The cables also had electrical tape wrapped around them. (IMG_3664; IMG_3663; IMG_3661.MOV)  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $8,296 · Current $4,148 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 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.  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure that branch circuits at their disconnecting means were legibly marked to indicate their purpose. Employees are exposed to shock related injuries in the event the incorrect disconnect is used due to the lack of labeling. The following instances were observed:  (a) Near Station 2- two electrical disconnects mounted on a structural beam are present. There is a switch, and multiple receptacles present to include 240V and 110V. Nothing is labeled.  (b) Near Station 3- three electrical disconnects mounted on a structural beam are present. Multiple receptacles present to include 240V and 110V. Nothing is labeled.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 17, 2025

Penalty

Initial $10,372 · Current $5,186 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1): Space about electric equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. On or about August 22, 2024, the employer did not ensure sufficient access and working space was provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance. There were multiple electrical disconnects ranging from 110V-240V blocked. Employees are exposed to fire and shock related hazards and injuries which could result in life altering injuries and illnesses or death in the event of an emergency and equipment could not quickly and safely be accessed.  The following instances were observed: (a) Near Station 2- multiple electrical disconnects secured to a structural column and a switch for overhead exhaust fan were blocked by a welding gas cylinder, a cart, and cardboard material.  (b) Near Station 5- multiple electrical disconnects secured to a structural column were blocked by a cabinet, hoses, and various boxes on the floor.  (c) Near Station 10- electrical disconnect secured on exterior wall blocked by a Peddinghaus press and a cart.  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Dec 26, 2024

Abate by

Jan 27, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,445 · Current $6,223 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.  On or about August 22, 2024, the employer utilized various styles and sizes of extension cords throughout the welding stations as a substitute for permanent, fixed wiring. Employees are exposed to fire hazards which could result in smoke inhalation and burn related injuries, as well as tripping hazards from the number of cords laying in the working areas. The following instances were observed:  (a) Station 2- retractable extension cord present to supply power to an appliance.  (b) Station 2- extension cord present to supply power for an angle grinder. Observed angle grinder plugged in while not in use.  (c) Station 10- retractable extension cord (yellow) plugged into another extension cord (orange) with an angle grinder stored on a hanging rack, plugged in while not in use.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).