OSHA Inspection: ACE STEEL & RECYCLING INC.

Issued

Apr 8, 2025

Abate by

May 8, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,986 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(6):Each exit sign was not illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color:  (a)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did not ensure that exit signs in the shop and paint booth work areas were illuminated, self-luminous or electroluminescent. This condition exposed employees to egress hazards associated with reduced exit route visibility in dark conditions and can decrease the efficiency of employee egress during an emergency.

Issued

Apr 8, 2025

Abate by

May 8, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(2):Each exit was not clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit":  (a)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did not ensure that the southwest emergency exit door was appropriately marked by a sign that read "Exit" when identified as an emergency exit route on the company's evacuation diagram. Unclear marking of emergency exit doors could prevent employees from reducing their exposure to incipient hazards, e.g. a fire.  This condition exposed employees to egress hazards.

Issued

Apr 8, 2025

Abate by

May 8, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(a)(2):Exit routes were not arranged so that employees did not have to travel toward a high hazard area:  (a)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did not ensure that emergency exit routes were arranged so employees would be required to travel towards high hazard areas. Employees utilizing the southeast emergency exit door and/or the southern emergency exit door would have to travel towards stored propane and acetylene tanks. This condition exposed employees to burn and explosion hazards in the event of a fire.

Issued

Apr 8, 2025

Abate by

May 8, 2025

Penalty

Initial $531 · Current $266 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.110(c)(8):Reinstallation of containers. Containers shall not be reinstalled unless they are requalified in accordance with DOT regulations:  (a)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did not ensure that propane containers were requalified in accordance with DOT regulations prior to reinstallation or use.  Propane container K532264 was initially qualified in August 2001 and had not been requalified as required by DOT regulations 49 CFR 180.205.  This condition exposed employees to fire and explosion hazards associated with inadequate containers.  (b)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did not ensure that propane containers were requalified in accordance with DOT regulations prior to reinstallation or use.  Propane container K532227 was initially qualified in August 2001 and had not been requalified as required by DOT regulations 49 CFR 180.205.  This condition exposed employees to fire and explosion hazards associated with inadequate containers.

Issued

Apr 8, 2025

Abate by

May 8, 2025

Penalty

Initial $531 · Current $266 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.138(b):The employer did not base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified:  (a)Ace Steel & Recycling Inc. DBA Cow Country Equipment at 3406 Edwards Street, Rapid City, SD 57703: On and about and at times prior to January 22, 2025, the employer did select gloves with appropriate chemical compatibility. Employees were provided Venom Vinyl ("PVC") gloves for working with naptha based paints and xylene solvents. This condition exposed employees to chemical hazards.  Abatement Note: Glove materials that provide more appropriate chemical compatibility for working with naptha and xylene include; nitrile, supported polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and viton/butyl mixtures.