OSHA Inspection: UNITED ALLOYS AND METALS, INC.

Issued

Sep 9, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $5,296 · Current $3,178 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(a): Application. Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.  a. On or about June 6, 2025, the employer did not ensure that an employee performing maintenance activities on the sulfuric acid frac tank used appropriate chemical protective clothing. As a result, the employee was exposed to serious injuries due to contact with corrosive chemicals to their body.

Issued

Sep 9, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 2310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.133(a)(1):The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.  a. On or about June 6, 2025, the employer did not ensure that an employee, performing maintenance activities on the sulfuric acid frac tank, used appropriate eye and face protection. As a result, the employee was exposed to serious injuries due to contact with corrosive chemicals to the eyes and face.

Issued

Sep 9, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $7,945 · Current $4,767 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.151(c): Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  a. On or about June 10, 2025, the employer did not ensure operators exposed to corrosive materials, such as 66% sulfuric acid, had suitable drenching and flushing facilities for immediate emergency use when performing work tasks in the sulfuric acid frac tank area, such as manually testing pH. As a result, employees were exposed to serious injuries due to contact with corrosive chemicals in the eyes and body.  b. On or about June 3, 2025, the employer did not ensure maintenance employees exposed to corrosive materials, such as 66% sulfuric acid, had suitable drenching and flushing facilities for immediate emergency use when performing work tasks in the sulfuric acid frac tank area, such as replacing pipe fittings. As a result, employees were exposed to serious injuries due to contact with corrosive chemicals in the eyes and body.

Issued

Sep 9, 2025

Abate by

Sep 29, 2025

Penalty

Initial $5,296 · Current $3,178 Reduced

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. On or about June 6, 2025, the employer did not ensure that a maintenance employee exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace, such as 66% sulfuric acid, was informed on hazard recognition and exposure prevention methods by providing them with hazard communication training. As a result, the employee was exposed to serious injuries due to contact with corrosive chemicals when performing  maintenance activities in the sulfuric acid frac tank.