OSHA Inspection: AXOS DESIGNS INC.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $3,547 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish the employees employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to potential fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards associated with combustible wood dust.  AXOS Designs Inc.,  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Facility Cutting Area: Employees were exposed to fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards in that combustible dust from sanders and abrasive wood cutting equipment was collected by a Belfab 1. W dust collector and a Coral 107-HD dust collector, and the enclosureless dust collectors recycled exhaust air into the work area; the dust collectors were connected to the production equipment via ducting systems that include PVC pipe; and the dust collectors were not equipped with an automatic spark detection and extinguishing system and not designed in accordance with consensus standards including NFPA 660 or 664; on or about 04/24/2025  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $3,547 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces were not kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.  AXOS Designs Inc.,  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) An accumulation of combustible wood dust exceeding 0.07 inches of the allowable accumulation depth criterion was observed on the surface of equipment, overhead ductwork, and overhead pipes throughout the woodcutting area, exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards; on or about 04/24/2025  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances E200

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(2): The floor of a workroom was not maintained in a clean condition.   AXOS Designs Inc.,  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) An accumulation of combustible wood dust exceeding 0.07 inches of the allowable accumulation depth criterion was observed throughout the floor of the woodcutting area, exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards, on or about 04/24/2025    Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,128 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.106(d)(3)(i): More than 60 gallons of a Category 3 flammable liquid was stored in a storage cabinet:   AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) A storage cabinet located in the facility sanding/polishing area contained approximately 80 gallons of Polyurethane Hardener, which is more than the maximum capacity of 60 gallons of Polyurethane (PU 364), a Category 3 flammable liquid; on or about 4/24/2025.    Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(e)(2): The quantity of flammable or combustible liquids kept in the vicinity of spraying operations were not at a minimum required for operations or they exceeded a supply for one day or one shift.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Flammable liquids such as, but not limited to, IC&S TZ 13(Cat3), ML Campbell Fast Lacquer Thinner (Cat2), and Polyurethane 172,173,186 (Cat 3) are kept in excess of one day or shift within the vicinity of spraying operations, exposing the employee to a fire hazard; on or about 04/24/2025.    Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(2): The interior surfaces of spray booths were not smooth and continuous without edges and otherwise designed to prevent pocketing of residues and facilitate cleaning and washing without injury.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) The employer installed job-made furniture such as wooden cabinets and shelves against the interior walls of a spray booth.  Significant overspray had accumulated on vertical and horizontal surfaces of the furniture, walls, and ceilings, creating a fire hazard; on or about 4/24/2025.   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(g)(2):  All spraying areas were not kept as free from the accumulation of deposits of combustible residues as practical, with cleaning conducted daily if necessary:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) The employer failed to ensure that combustible residues from spray finishing operations were removed regularly. In the spray booth located in the facility, the walls, floors, and surfaces were observed to be coated with heavy overspray and accumulated residue, creating a potential fire hazard.   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(b)(5)(i): The employer did not have visible gauges, audible alarms, or pressure activated devices installed to indicate or ensure that required air velocity was maintained on a spray booth:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) The employer did not install a system capable of monitoring the airflow in a spray booth and exhaust filters were not inspected and maintained. Filters appeared heavily loaded, restricting airflow and increasing the risk of vapor buildup exposing employees to a fire hazard; on or about 4/24/2025.   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,128 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(c)(5): Electrical equipment in spraying areas, where deposits of combustible residues were readily accumulated, were not approved for the location.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Electrical lighting fixtures covers located inside a spray booth were damage, exposing bulbs and housing to overspray accumulations.  Employees using the spray booth were exposed to fire hazard; on or about 4/24/2025.   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 6, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,128 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.107(g)(3): Approved metal waste cans were not provided wherever rags or waste were impregnated with flammable waste materials.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Flammable waste materials were not stored in approved, self-closing containers.  Metal trash cans with a plastic liner were used for disposal of potentially flammable materials in the spray booth, creating a potential fire hazard; on about 4/24/2025   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,400 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:   AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M half-mask elastomeric respirators with gas/vapor cartridges/filters, P100 while conducting spray-painting activities with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%).  b) Sanding area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M N95 respirators while engaged in wood sanding/polishing activities.    The employer did not implement a written respiratory protection program; on or about 04/24/2025.   Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 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:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M half-mask elastomeric respirators with gas/vapor cartridges/filters, P100 while conducting spray-painting activities with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%).  b) Sanding area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M N95 respirators while engaged in wood sanding/polishing activities.    The employer did not provide medical evaluations to the employee prior to required use of respirators; on or about 04/24/2025.  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator were fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M half-mask elastomeric respirators with gas/vapor cartridges/filters, P100 while conducting spray-painting activities with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%).  b) Sanding area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M N95 respirators while engaged in wood sanding/polishing activities.   The employer did not provide fit testing to employees prior to required use of respirators; on or about 4/24/2025.  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  AXOS Designs Inc., 2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: The employer provided and required employees with grown facial hair to wear tight-fitting 3M half-mask elastomeric respirators with gas/vapor cartridges/filters, P100 while conducting spray-painting activities with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%), and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%); on or about 4/24/2025. The facial hair prevented a tight seal exposing employees breathing hazardous chemicals; on or about 4/24/2025.   Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.134(k)(3): Training was not provided prior to requiring employees to use a respirator in the workplace:   AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M half-mask elastomeric respirators with gas/vapor cartridges/filters, P100 while conducting spray-painting activities with hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%).  b) Sanding area: The employer provided and required employees to wear tight-fitting 3M N95 respirators while engaged in wood sanding/polishing activities.  The employer did not provide effective training to employees prior to require the use if respirators; on or about 04/24/2025.  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $2,837 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement and maintain at the workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g) and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: An employee engaged in spray painting activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%)  b) Wood staining area: An employee engaged in wood staining activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Minwax Wood Stain products (containing Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 50 to 75%, formaldehyde 1%) Kleen Strip Paint Thinner (containing Benzene 7%)   The employer did not develop and implement a hazard communication program on or about; 4/24/2025.   Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(f)(6): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the information specified under paragraphs (f)(6)(i) through (ii) of this section:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  Spray booth area: The employer stored containers such as but not limited to, one-gallon cans containing paint and paint products that were not tagged or marked with the product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, and information regarding physical and health hazard; on or about 4/24/2025.  Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(1): The employers did not have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: An employee engaged in spray painting activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%)  b) Wood staining area: An employee engaged in wood staining activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Minwax Wood Stain products (containing Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 50 to 75%, formaldehyde 1%) Kleen Strip Paint Thinner (containing Benzene 7%)  Safety Data Sheets were not available for employee's review; on or about 4/24/2025  Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19

Issued

Oct 24, 2025

Abate by

Nov 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:  AXOS Designs Inc.  2635 1st Street, Astoria, NY 11101.  a) Spray booth area: An employee engaged in spray painting activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Urethane Hardener (containing volatile organic compounds, titanium dioxide 25 to 48%, xylene 20 to 25%) and UN1263 (containing acetone 60-100%)  b) Wood staining area: An employee engaged in wood staining activities utilized hazardous flammable chemicals such as, but not limited to, Minwax Wood Stain products (containing Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 50 to 75%, formaldehyde 1%) Kleen Strip Paint Thinner (containing Benzene 7%)  A Hazard Communication Training Program was not in place; on or about 04/24/2025.   Note: The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19