OSHA Inspection: KIRK WILLIAMS COMPANY INC.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(d)(1): The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).   a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not conducted a hazard assessment to identify and require personal protective equipment for employees assigned to perform insulation repairs on a section of HVAC duct involving welding and a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.252(b)(3): Protective clothing - General requirements. Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations shall be protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of 1910.132. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, employees were assigned to perform insulation repairs on a section of HVAC duct involving welding and were not required to wear protective clothing such as, but not limited to, flame resistant clothing.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $7,093 · Current $7,093

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.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were medically able to use a respirator prior to providing and allowing employees to wear respirators under voluntary use while spraying Design Polymerics DP 2590 Duct Liner Spray Adhesive in a section of HVAC duct.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1052(d)(2): Initial determination. Each employer whose employees are exposed to methylene chloride (MC) shall perform initial exposure monitoring to determine each affected employee's exposure.  a) On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not performed initial exposure monitoring prior to employees utilizing the Design Polymerics DP 2590 Duct Liner Spray Adhesive and being exposed to methylene chloride while repairing insulation inside a section of HVAC duct.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1): The employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, employees repaired insulation inside a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, and the employer had not evaluated the workplace to determine if the section of HVAC duct was a permit space.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not developed a written permit space program that covered permit-required confined spaces within their shop prior to allowing employees to enter and repair insulation in a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, using a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(A): Management. Management shall recognize its responsibility for the safe usage of cutting and welding equipment on its property and based on fire potentials of plant facilities, establish areas for cutting and welding, and establish procedures for cutting and welding, in other areas.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not established safe welding procedures for employees assigned to pin insulation with a spot welder inside a section of HVAC duct that contained flammable vapors from a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(2): Permit-required confined space program (permit space program). Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, prior to allowing employees to enter a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, and repair insulation using a chemical adhesive, the employer had not identified and evaluated the hazards of the space to include the potential for a hazardous atmosphere caused by the chemical adhesive. The employer had not developed and implemented means and procedures for identifying and evaluating hazards of the section of HVAC duct prior to entry.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)(vi): Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to: Verifying that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not verified the conditions in a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, were acceptable for the duration of entry for employees allowed to enter and repair insulation using a chemical adhesive. The employer had not developed or implemented means, procedures, and practices for verifying the conditions of the section of HVAC duct prior to entry and throughout the entry.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(4)(i): Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall provide the following equipment (specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no cost to employees, maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees use that equipment properly: Testing and monitoring equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5) of this section;  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not provided testing and monitoring equipment to evaluate a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, for atmospheric hazards associated with the use of a chemical adhesive used for the repair of insulation inside of the space. The employer had not developed and implemented means and procedures for providing and utilizing monitoring equipment prior to entry into the section of HVAC duct.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(i): Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall evaluate permit space conditions as follows when entry operations are conducted: Test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin:   a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not test the atmospheric conditions of a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, entered for the repair of insulation using a chemical adhesive.  Conditions were not tested prior to entry to the space.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(ii):  Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall evaluate permit space conditions as follows when entry operations are conducted: Test or monitor the permit space as necessary to determine if acceptable entry conditions are being maintained during the course of entry operations.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not test the atmospheric condition of a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, entered for the repair of insulation using a chemical adhesive.  Conditions were not tested as necessary during the course of entry operations within the permit space.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(B): Supervisor.  The Supervisor shall determine the combustible materials and hazardous areas present or likely to be present in the work location.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, prior to allowing employees to spot weld in a section of HVAC duct for the repair of insulation, the employer did not determine the combustible materials and hazardous areas that were present in the space. Employees were allowed to spot weld in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)(iv):  Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following: Purging, inerting, flushing, or ventilating the permit space as necessary to eliminate or control atmospheric hazards.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not ventilate a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, to eliminate or control the atmospheric hazards when allowing employees to enter the space to repair insulation using a chemical adhesive. The employer had not developed and implemented means, procedures, and practices for ventilating the section of HVAC duct prior to entry.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(4)(ii): Permit-required confined space program (permit space program).  Under the permit space program required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the employer shall provide the following equipment (specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no cost to employees, maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees use that equipment properly: Ventilating equipment needed to obtain acceptable entry conditions.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not ensure ventilating equipment was utilized to obtain acceptable atmospheric entry conditions in a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, entered for the repair of insulation using a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(e)(1): Permit system.  Before entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not prepare an entry permit to document the completion of necessary safety measures for employees entering a section of HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, to repair insulation using a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iv): Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, prior to allowing employees to spot weld inside of a section of HVAC duct to repair insulation, the employer did not ensure the space was inspected by an individual responsible for authorizing welding operations and designating precautions to be followed to achieve authorization.  Employees were allowed to spot weld in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(B):  Management.  Management shall recognize its responsibility for safe usage of cutting and welding equipment on its property and: Designate an individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations in areas not specifically designed for such processes.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not designated an individual responsible for authorizing employees to spot weld inside of a section HVAC duct to repair insulation. Employees were allowed to spot weld in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(D): Supervisor.  The Supervisor shall secure authorization for the cutting or welding operations from the designated management representative.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the supervisor did not secure authorization from a designated management representative prior to allowing employees spot weld inside of a section of HVAC duct. Employees were allowed to spot weld in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(E): Supervisor.  The Supervisor shall determine that the cutter or welder secures his approval that conditions are safe before going ahead.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not ensure welders secured approval that conditions were safe before spot welding inside of a section of HVAC duct to repair insulation. Employees were allowed to spot weld in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1): The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not provided affected employees with permit-required confined space training prior to allowing employees to enter a section HVAC duct, a permit-required confined space, to repair insulation using a chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C): Management.  Management shall recognize its responsibility for the safe usage of cutting and welding equipment on its property and: Insist that cutters or welders and their supervisors are suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not trained welders in the safe operation of utilizing spot welders to install pins in a section of HVAC duct to repair insulation, including  training on the danger of using welding equipment in the presence of flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C): Management.  Management shall recognize its responsibility for the safe usage of cutting and welding equipment on its property and: Insist that cutters or welders and their supervisors are suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not trained welders in the safe operation of utilizing spot welders to install pins in a section of HVAC duct to repair insulation, including  training on the danger of using welding equipment in the presence of flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(C): Prohibited areas.  Cutting or welding shall not be permitted in the following situations:  In the presence of explosive atmospheres (mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts with air), or explosive atmospheres that may develop inside uncleaned or improperly prepared tanks or equipment which have previously contained such materials, or that may develop in areas with an accumulation of combustible dusts.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer did not prohibit welding in the presence of flammable gases and vapors in that employees were allowed to spot weld in a section of a HVAC duct to repair insulation in the presence of a flammable chemical adhesive.

Issued

Mar 14, 2025

Abate by

Apr 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and safety data sheets.  a) Located at 2734 Home Road, Grove City, OH 43123: On or about November 13, 2024, the employer had not trained employees who utilized a chemical adhesive in the hazards associated with the chemical including but not limited safety hazards such as flammability and associated health hazards.