OSHA Inspection: BHP, INC.

Issued

2018-12-28 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-01-07 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $11641.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.  (a) The employer did not select appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances or chemical burns for employees that painted using urethane paints. Employees were exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, methyl ethyl keytone (MEK), acetone, toluene, and xylene in a polyurethane paint mixture. The latex goves provided to employees were not rated for chemical resistance against toluene, n-butyl acetate, or xylene, and would experience breakthrough with MEK and acetone after a short time period. Furthermore, it has been shown that isocyanates pass through latex gloves without visibly damaging the glove, and can then be absorbed through the skin.