OSHA Inspection: ROCK WOOL MANUFACTURING

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-30 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section,    The employer does not utilize energy control procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in servicing and/or maintenance of machines or equipment. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015 and at times prior thereto, at the facility, where employees were exposed to electrical, caught-in and struck-by hazards, when performing maintenance and servicing work on the V-Groove#1 and V-Groove#2 machines that contain electrical and hydraulic energy without utilizing written energy control procedures for the control of the potentially hazardous energies.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that energy control procedures are developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in activities covered by this section.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees.    The employer does not provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015 and at times prior thereto, throughout the facility, where employees were exposed to electrical, caught-in and struck-by hazards, when performing maintenance and servicing work on the V-Groove# 1 and V-Groove# 2 machines without receiving training on the purpose and function of the energy control program and on the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are trained on the purpose and function of the energy control program and on the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(b): Material stored in tiers was not stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse.    The employer does not ensure that all stored materials are stacked and blocked so that materials are stabled and secured against sliding and collapse to prevent employee injury. This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, throughout the facility where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards while working near material stored in tiers without any means to secure the material against sliding and collapse.      Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that material stored in tiers is stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it is stable and secure against sliding and collapse.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each operator had successfully completed the training consisting of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.    The employer does not ensure that employees required to operate forklifts are trained and evaluated to ensure they can operate them safely. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015 and at times prior thereto, throughout the facility, where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when employees were required to operate forklifts while moving material without having been trained and evaluated.      Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that they provide the employees training consisting of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4): Industrial truck driver(s) were not required to travel with the load trailing whenever the load obstructed forward view.  The employer does not ensure that employees operating forklifts travel with the load trailing when the load obstructed their forward view. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015 and at times prior thereto, throughout the facility, where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when the employees operating the forklifts were not traveling with the load trailing when the load obstructed the forward view.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees travel with the load trailing whenever the load obstructs the forward view.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1): Load(s) on powered industrial truck(s) were not stable or safely arranged.  The employer does not ensure that loads on forklifts are only stable or safely arranged. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015 and at times prior thereto, throughout the facility, where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards while working near forklifts carrying loads without the loads being stable or safely arranged.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that forklift operators carry only stable or safely arranged loads.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.    The employer does not guard the rotating parts of machines whose operation exposes employees to injury.       Instance a: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, At the facility in the V-Groove area where employees were exposed to struck-by and caught-by hazards when operating a V-Groove #1 without functioning door interlocks.       Instance b: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, At the facility in the V-Groove area where employees were exposed to struck-by and caught-by hazards when operating a V-Groove #2 without functioning door interlocks.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all machines that have exposed rotating parts are guarded.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2970.00 · Current $1782.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.    The employer does not ensure that compressed air used for cleaning is reduced to less than 30 psi. This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, throughout the facility where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards while blowing off insulation residuals from their person and cloths with compressed air pressure of 85 pounds per square inch without reducing it to less than 30 p.s.i.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all compressed air used for cleaning purposes is reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6930.00 · Current $4158.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(6): Conductors or equipment were located in damp or wet locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or other agents that had a deteriorating effect on the conductors or equipment; or where exposed to excessive temperatures.    The employer does not ensure that all conductors are located away from deteriorating agents. This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at box area where employees were exposed to electrical hazards while using a water dispenser that had an attached power cord that was laying in the water on the floor.      Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all conductors and equipment are located so that they are not subject to deteriorating agents.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9900.00 · Current $5940.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch.    The employer does not ensure that the work rests on bench grinder machines are adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch to prevent employee injury. This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the maintenance shop where employees were exposed to caught in and struck-by hazards when operating a Central Machinery brand bench grinder without the work rests adjusted to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch.       Rock Wood Manufacturing, Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.215(a)(2), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315458208 Citation Number 1, Item Number 3(a) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/26/2011, with respect to a workplace located at 8610 Spruiell St., Leeds, AL 35094.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all bench grinder are equipped with work rests and that they are adjusted to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch..

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch.  The employer does not ensure that on all offhand grinding machines a tongue guard is installed and adjusted to one fourth inch or less from the abrasive wheel or that the distance between the wheel and the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top of the abrasive wheel does not exceed one fourth inch. This violation occurred on or about March 17, 2015, at the maintenance shop where employees were exposed to struck-by hazards when operating a Central Machinery brand bench grinder without the tongue guards adjusted to the wheel with a maximum opening of one fourth inch.  Rock Wood Manufacturing, Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315458208 Citation Number 1, Item Number 3(b) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/26/2011, with respect to a workplace located at 8610 Spruiell St., Leeds, AL 35094.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all bench grinders have their tongue guards adjusted to the grinding wheel with a maximum opening of one fourth inch.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9900.00 · Current $5940.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o).    The employer does not guard pulleys which are 7 feet or less from the floor or working platform.       Instance a: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the sectional area where operators were exposed to a caught-in hazard when operating the Jig saw #3 P4 without having a guard on the pulleys.      Instance b: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the sectional area where operators were exposed to a caught-in hazard when operating the vertical band saw (Mandrel) without having a guard on the pulleys.    Rock Wood Manufacturing, Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315458208 Citation Number 1, Item Number 4(a) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/26/2011, with respect to a workplace located at 8610 Spruiell St., Leeds, AL 35094.       Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all pulleys 7 feet or less from the ground are guarded.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Abate by

2015-09-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Horizontal belts which had both runs seven feet or less from the floor level were not guarded with a guard that extended to at least fifteen inches above the belt.  The employer does not guard belts which are 7 feet or less from the floor or working platform.     Instance a: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the sectional area where operators were exposed to a caught-in hazard when operating the Jig saw #3 P4 without having a guard on the belts.  Instance b: This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the sectional area where operators were exposed to a caught-in hazard when operating the vertical band saw (Mandrel) without having a guard on the belts.    Rock Wood Manufacturing, Company, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315458208 Citation Number 1, Item Number 4(b) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/26/2011, with respect to a workplace located at 8610 Spruiell St., Leeds, AL 35094.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all belts 7 feet or less from the ground are guarded.

Issued

2015-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii): There was a defect or evidence of damage that could have exposed an employee to injury and the defective or damaged item was not removed from service.  The employer does not ensure that damaged electrical cords are removed from service.  This violation was observed on or about March 17, 2015, at the sectional area where employees operate a fan connected to a damaged extension cord without taking out of service.     Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within 10 (ten) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that portable cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) that are found to be defective or damaged are removed from service and not used until necessary repairs have been completed.