OSHA Inspection: U.S. MINERALS INC.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5500.00 · Current $5500.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator was competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):   a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to struck by hazards while an untrained employee was using the GEHL RS8-42 All Terrain Forklift to transfer material. The employee did not receive the formal instruction or the practical training required by the standard.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(c): Employees were exposed to inorganic arsenic at concentrations greater than ten micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour period:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 410 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0125 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.25 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 70 minutes not sampled.     b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 325 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0156 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.56 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 155 minutes not sampled.     c) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 390 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0125 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.25 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 90 minutes not sampled     d) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 04, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 375 minutes indicated an exposure to .0475 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 4.75 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 105 minutes not sampled.     e) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 05, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 385 minutes indicated an exposure to .0367 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 3.67 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 95 minutes not sampled.     f) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 182 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0174 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.74 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 298 minutes not sampled.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(g)(1)(i): Engineering and work practice controls were not instituted to reduce inorganic arsenic exposure to or below permissible exposure limit:     a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to institute engineering and work practice controls to reduce inorganic arsenic exposure to or below the PEL.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(f)(1): Regulated areas were not established where workers exposure to inorganic arsenic, without regard to the use of respirators, were in excess of the permissible limit:        a) Dryer Area: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing general labor operations. The employer failed to establish regulated areas where workers were exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the PEL.      b) Feed Conveyor Area: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing general labor operations. The employer failed to establish regulated areas where workers were exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the PEL.       c) Screen House: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing screen change out operations. The employer failed to establish regulated areas where workers were exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the PEL.         d) Bag Filling Area: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations and collecting quality control samples. The employer failed to establish regulated areas where workers were exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the PEL.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(f)(5): The employer did not ensure that food and beverages were not consumed, and/or smoking products, chewing tobacco and/or gum were not used and/or cosmetics were not applied in the inorganic arsenic regulated areas:         a) Screen House: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing screen change out and general labor operations. The employer allowed food and beverage consumption, and smoking throughout the facility, including areas in which airborne arsenic exceeded the PEL.           b) Bag Filling Area: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations and collecting quality control samples. The employer allowed food and beverage consumption, and smoking throughout the facility, including areas in which airborne arsenic exceeded the PEL.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(h)(1): Where required under 29 CFR 1910.1018, the employer did not provide each employee an appropriate respirator that complies with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1018(h):   a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to inorganic arsenic while using a 3M N95 particulate respirator model 8210 which was not intended for use with airborne inorganic arsenic.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(h)(2)(i): The employer did not implement a respiratory protection program in accordance with �� 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1)(iii)), and (f) through (m), which covers each employee required by 29 CFR 1910.1018 to use a respirator:      a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer did not select the appropriate respirator in that the 3M N95 filtering face piece respirators (model 8210) was not approved for protection against arsenic.  b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer did not provide medical evaluations to employees required to use the respirators as required in 1910.134(c)(1)(ii).  c) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer did not provide procedures and schedules for storing, discarding and maintaining respirators of employees required to use the respirators as required in 1910.134(c)(1)(v).  d) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer did not provide training on putting on, removing, or the limitations of the respirators for employees required to use the respirators as required in 1910.134(c)(1)(viii).  e) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer did not establish work-site specific procedures to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the program as required in 1910.134(c)(1)(ix).

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(j)(1): Where the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic existed and/or for all workers who worked in regulated areas, the employer did not provide, at no cost, to the employee and did not ensure that employees used the appropriate protective work clothing and equipment:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to airborne inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide at no cost, and ensure use of appropriate protective work clothing and equipment.   b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic concentration levels from 5.010  to 224.740 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of areas sampled while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide at no cost, and ensure use of appropriate protective work clothing and equipment.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(j)(2)(viii): Inorganic arsenic was removed from protective clothing or equipment by blowing or shaking:  a) Air compressor: On or about November 4, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to airborne inorganic arsenic by using compressed air to blow off clothing. Wipe samples indicate the presence of inorganic arsenic on the employees' clothing.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(k)(1): All surfaces were not maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of inorganic arsenic:    a) Lunch Area: On or about October 16, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to the hazards of ingestion, absorption and inhalation of inorganic arsenic while eating, drinking and taking breaks in areas with an accumulation of inorganic arsenic. The top of the microwave door showed a concentration of 52.850 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of area sampled. The lunch table showed a concentration of 5.010 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of area sampled.      b) Bag Filling Area: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to the hazards of ingestion, absorption and inhalation of inorganic arsenic while eating and drinking in areas with an accumulation of inorganic arsenic. Pallets next to the bagging area where the employees' water and lunch are consumed showed a concentration of 224.740 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of area sampled.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(h)(1): All surfaces were not maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of lead:     a) Bag Filling Area: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to the hazards of ingestion, absorption and inhalation of lead while eating and drinking in areas with an accumulation of lead. Pallets next to the bagging area where the employees' water and lunch are consumed showed a concentration of 167.22 micrograms of lead per 100 square centimeters of area sampled.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(1): Clean change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for protective clothing and equipment, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.141(e), were not provided for employees working in regulated areas or in areas subject to the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide clean change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for protective clothing and equipment.   b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic surface arsenic concentration levels from 5.010  to 224.740 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of area sampled while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide clean change rooms equipped with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for protective clothing and equipment.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(2)(i): Employees working in regulated areas, or subject to the possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic were not required to shower at the end of the work shift:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to require employees working in regulated areas to shower at the end of each shift.    b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic surface arsenic concentration levels from 5.010  to 224.740 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of areas sampled while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to require employees working in regulated areas to shower at the end of each shift.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(3)(i): Readily accessible lunchroom facilities with temperature controlled, positive pressure, filtered air supply were not provided for employees working in inorganic arsenic regulated areas:      a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide readily accessible lunchroom facilities for employees working in inorganic arsenic regulated areas.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(m)(3)(ii): Employees working in regulated areas, or subject to the possibility of skin or eye irritation from exposure to inorganic arsenic were not required to wash their hands and face prior to eating:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. The employer failed to require employees working in regulated areas to wash their hands and face prior to eating.    b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic concentration levels from 5.010  to 224.740 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per 100 square centimeters of areas sampled while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. The employer failed to require employees working in regulated areas to wash their hands and face prior to eating.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(n)(1)(i)(A): A medical surveillance program was not instituted for all employees who were or will be exposed to inorganic arsenic in excess of the action level, without regard to the use of respirators, at least 30 days per year:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 410 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0125 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.25 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 70 minutes not sampled.     b) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 325 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0156 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.56 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 155 minutes not sampled.     c) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 03, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 390 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0125 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.25 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 90 minutes not sampled.     d) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 04, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 375 minutes indicated an exposure to .0475 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 4.75 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 105 minutes not sampled.     e) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 05, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 385 minutes indicated an exposure to .0367 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 3.67 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 95 minutes not sampled.     f) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, and general labor operations. Personal air sampling performed for 182 minutes indicated an exposure to 0.0174 milligrams per cubic meter of air, approximately 1.74 times the PEL. Zero exposure was assumed for the 298 minutes not sampled.   Note: U.S. Minerals processes low silica material into roofing granules and abrasives for shipment in rail, truck and bulk bag quantities. Standard abrasive grades (1240, 2040, and 3060) are available as well as custom blends. This is the only process that is done at this location and it has been in operation since October 26, 2010. This process is completed on one shift per day, five days per week. This plant is operational year round. The requirement for a 30 day per year exposure has been met.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

Hazardous substances 0260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1018(o)(1)(ii): Training was not provided for employee(s) at the time of initial assignment to an area where employees are subject to inorganic arsenic exposure above the action level, or for whom there is a possibility of skin or eye irritation from inorganic arsenic:       a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about October 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees throughout the facility were exposed to inorganic arsenic exceeding the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.01 milligrams per cubic meter of air while performing bagging operations, screen change out, collecting quality control samples, and general labor operations. The employer failed to provide the required training in paragraphs A through F of this section.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3300.00 · Current $3300.00

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(l)(1)(i): Employee(s) working in an area where there is potential exposure to airborne lead at any level were not informed of the content of Appendices A and B of 29 CFR 1910.1025:    a) U.S. Minerals-Anaconda, MT site: On or about November 05, 2015, and at times prior, employees were working in areas with exposure to airborne lead without being informed of the content of the hazards associated with working with lead or the methods to control these hazards. Pallets next to the bagging area where the employees' water and lunch are consumed showed a concentration of 167.22 micrograms of lead per 100 square centimeters of area sampled.

Issued

2016-04-04 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-03 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1591

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1025(l)(1)(ii): The employer did not train each employee who is subject to exposure to lead at or above the action level, or for whom the possibility of skin or eye irritation exists, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1025:    a) Bag Filling Area: On or about October 21, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to the hazards of ingestion, absorption and inhalation of lead while eating and drinking, performing bagging operations, and collecting quality control samples in areas with an accumulation of lead. Pallets next to the bagging area where the employees' water and lunch are consumed showed a concentration of 167.22 micrograms of lead per 100 square centimeters of area sampled. The employer failed to provide the required training in paragraphs A through G of this section.