OSHA Inspection: TASSOS METAL, INC.

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $2,660 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.25(b)(3): The employer did not ensure that stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings.  (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that the stairs leading to the Reliance Vapor Degreaser operator platform were constructed with uniform riser heights between landings. Riser heights from the bottom to top landings were approximately 11.75 inches (29.86 cm), 10.5 inches (26.67 cm), 11 inches (27.94 cm), and 10.5 inches (26.67 cm) thereby exposing affected employees to fall hazards which may result in contusions and sprains.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.25(c)(2): The employer did not ensure that standard stairs have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm).  (a) 940 N. Lombard Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that standard stairs providing access to the parts degreaser were no greater than 9.5 inches high. The riser heights were 11.75 inches (29.86 cm), 10.5 inches (26.67 cm), 11 inches (27.94 cm) and 10.5 inches 10.8 inches (26.67 cm) thereby exposing affected employees to fall hazards which may result in contusions and sprains.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 24, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,620 · Current $3,400 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0870

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): A written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented for required respirator use:  (a) Vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, employees were required to wear tight-fitting respirators, including 3M half-face negative pressure air-purifying respirators, when operating a Reliance open-top vapor degreaser and while painting. The employer failed to establish a written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(11)(i)-(ix) with worksite specific procedures for employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  The written respiratory protection program shall include, at a minimum, procedures for selecting respirators; medical evaluations; fit testing procedures for proper use in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations; procedures for cleaning, storing, inspecting, repairing and discarding respirators; employee training regarding respiratory hazards they are exposed to, proper uses and limitations of respirators; and procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the respirator program.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, including 3M half-face negative pressure air-purifying respirators, were provided a medical evaluation prior to use thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards which may result in respiratory and cardiovascular systems stress.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

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:  a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that all employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, including 3M half-face negative pressure air-purifying respirators, were provided respirator training, thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,620 · Current $3,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  (a) 950 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, welding cell area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that an electrical outlet in welding cell #2 was effectively enclosed thereby exposing the welder assigned to that cell to fire and electrical hazards.   Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,620 · Current $3,400 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:  (a) 950 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, production area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that a flexible cord set (extension cord) was not used as substitute for fixed wiring. The extension cord was extended from a receptacle outlet installed to a steel support column in the laser cutting areas, wound several times over and around overhead conduit leading to the brake press area where it was connected to a relocatable power tap energizing two shop fans thereby exposing employees to electrical and fire hazards which may result in electrical shock and burns.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

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:  (a) 950 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, production area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that a flexible cord set (extension cord) with a damaged outer sheath used to energize two shop fans by the press brakes through a relocatable power tap was repaired or removed from service, thereby exposing employees to electrical hazards which may result in electrical shock.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 24, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 0870

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program that included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not develop and implement a hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) that would describe or include at least the following:   1) Requirement for labeling of containers of hazardous chemicals;  2) Safety Data Sheet availability;  3) Training of employees;  4) A complete list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace;  5) Methods to inform employees of the hazards on non-routine tasks; and  6) Methods to inform other employer(s) of Safety Data Sheet availability; the labeling system and any precautionary measures to protect employees.  Affected employees were exposed to respiratory hazards from chemicals such as, but not limited to, the chemical solvent Reliance Specialty Products, Inc. AeroTron-100 (contains 1-2, dichloroethylene) which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(7):   The alternative method in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers did not identify the container to which it is applicable and did not convey the information required by 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6):    (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not communicate a method on how to access information on the contents of an unlabeled Reliance open-top vapor degreaser thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards from the chemical solvent Reliance Specialty Products, Inc. AeroTron-100 (contains 1,2 dichloroethylene) which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

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):  (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that workplace copies of the required Safety Data Sheet for the chemical solvent Reliance Specialty Products, Inc. AeroTron-100 (contains 1,2-dichloroethylene) were readily accessible to employees thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3): The employee training did not include the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(i) through (h)(3)(iv):  (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not train employees in at least the following:   1) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.); 2) The physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work area; 3) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and, 4) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.   Affected employees were exposed to respiratory hazards from chemicals such as, but not limited to, the chemical solvent Reliance Specialty Products, Inc. AeroTron-100 (contains 1,2-dichlorethylene) which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $930 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer did not verify, through a written certification, that the required workplace hazard assessment had been performed:   (a) 950 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148 - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not complete a written certification of the personal protective equipment hazard assessment.   Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(h)(1): Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, was not provided by the employer at no cost to employees.  (a) 950 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, welding cell area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer required welder employees to purchase their own welding personal protective equipment without reimbursement. Employees only supplied their own welding helmets and were thereby exposed to heat and fire hazards that may result in burns to the body, arms, and hands.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  (a) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that all employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, including 3M half-face negative pressure air-purifying respirators, were fit tested within the previous 12 months thereby exposing affected employees to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

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) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that an employee required to wear a 3M half-face negative pressure air purifying respirator when operating the Reliance open-top vapor degreaser and while painting did not have facial hair that came between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face thereby exposing them to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Jan 31, 2025

Abate by

Mar 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0870

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) 940 N. Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148, vapor degreasing and painting area - On or about October 4, 2024, the employer did not ensure that a 3M half-face negative pressure air purifying respirator assigned to an employee was free of defects that interfered with the sealing surface between the face and the facepiece. The employee was required to wear the tight-fitting respirator that had a damaged nosepiece while operating the Reliance open-top vapor degreaser and were thereby exposed to respiratory hazards which may result in dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).