OSHA Inspection: WASHINGTON METAL FABRICATORS, LLC

Issued

2025-03-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2025-03-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8619.00 · Current $5171.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(c)(2)(ii): The employer did not establish and implement those elements of a written program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily was medically able to use that respirator, and that the respirator was cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user.  On or about October 28, 2024, and days prior, Washington Metal Fabricators, LLC., located at 6555 Meyers Drive in Washington, Missouri, did not conduct training for the voluntary use of half-face respirators. There was no initial medical evaluation to assess medical fitness to wear a respirator; further, the respirators were improperly stored on an open rack in the production area that is accessible to any employee; thus, the potential of cross contamination and use of unclean respirators by multiple users may pose a health hazard to other employees.

Issued

2025-03-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2025-03-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances S900

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.  On or about October 28, 2024, and days prior, Washington Metal Fabricators, LLC., located at 6555 Meyers Drive, in Washington, Missouri, did allow the painters at the paint powder application station to wear a half-face on-demand tight-fitting respirator with cartridges while keeping their facial hair. Facial hair is known to interfere with the respirator fit, which may cause the dust particles to enter the respiratory system, causing irritation and injury.