OSHA Inspection: WOOD SPECIALISTS INC

Issued

Apr 10, 2025

Abate by

May 15, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,729 · Current $2,837 Reduced

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) On December 18th, 2024, and at times prior to, at 3221 4th Avenue South Fargo, North Dakota, the employer did not establish and implement a written respiratory protection program for employees who are required to wear half-face respirators while painting wood products, exposing employees to respiratory hazards from paint vapors.  A minimally acceptable respiratory protection program shall include all of the following requirements:  1.  Written standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of respirators shall be established.  2.  Only approved respirators shall be used.  Respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed.  3.  Respirators must be provided free-of-charge where respirators are needed to protect the health of the employees.  4.  Employers must provide (free-of-charge) a medical evaluation to determine    each employee's fitness to wear a respirator before initial use.  5.  Before initial respirator use, fit testing is required for all employees using negative or positive pressure tight-fitting respirators where such respirators are required by OSHA or where the employer requires the use of such a respirator.  6.  The user shall be instructed and trained in the proper use of respirators and their limitations.  7.  Surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress shall be conducted.  8.  Employer must ensure the use of respirators where respirators are needed to protect the health of the employees.  9.  Respirators shall be regularly cleaned and disinfected to keep them in a sanitary condition.  10.  Respirators shall be stored in a clean and sanitary location to prevent damage and contamination.  11.  Respirators shall be inspected during cleaning and repaired when necessary.  12.  There shall be regular inspection and evaluation to determine the continued effectiveness of the program.  13.  Compressed breathing air must meet at least the requirements for Grade D breathing air.  14.  The employer must establish and retain medical evaluations and fit-testing records.