OSHA Inspection: HANWHA Q CELLS USA CORP.

Issued

Jan 30, 2026

Abate by

Feb 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.269(d)(6)(vii): Before starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergizing of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. If normally energized parts will be exposed to contact by an employee while the machine or equipment is deenergized, a test shall be performed to ensure that these parts are deenergized:  a) On or about August 18, 2025, the controlling employer did not ensure employees and subcontracted employees were protected from arc flash explosion hazards.  Commissioning technicians engaged in the group lockout of the PCS 025 (SG4400UD-MV-US, Serial #T2520600152) with subcontracted employees, did not verify that electrical energy had been de-energized, and isolated, prior to commencing maintenance activities.  This condition exposed employees and subcontracted employees to arc flash explosion hazards.

Issued

Jan 30, 2026

Abate by

Feb 26, 2026

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.269(d)(8)(iii): Procedures shall be used during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and on-coming employees, to minimize their exposure to hazards from the unexpected energizing or start-up of the machine or equipment or from the release of stored energy:   a) On or about August 18, 2025, the controlling employer did not ensure the authorized employee responsible for the lock-out/tag-out of the PCS 025 (SG4400UD-MV-US, Serial #T2520600152) requested removal or transfer of a lock-out tag-out device prior to leaving the site. This condition exposed employees to the hazard of un-expected energization of the equipment during maintenance activities.