OSHA Inspection: DOWA THT AMERICA, INC.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(v)(A): Each employee was not protected from falling through a hatchway and chute floor hole by a hinged floor-hole cover that meets the criteria in �1910.29 and a fixed guardrail system that leaves only one exposed side.      a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees shoveling potassium thiocyanate powder into the salt tanks, were protected from falling into the three foot by two foot floor hole when the floor hole covering was removed.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2037

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(b)(2): The quantity of liquid that may be located outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet in a building or in any one fire area of a building exceeded 120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids in containers.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about November 13, 2018, the employer did not ensure three 55 gallon drums of a category 3 flammable liquid, Daphine Oil Coat RL 55-NB, located adjacent to the oil dipping machine in the repack area, were stored in a properly constructed flammable liquid storage room or flammable liquid storage cabinet.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2037

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii): Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), were dispensed into containers when the nozzle and container were not electrically interconnected.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about November 13, 2018, the employer did not ensure a 55 gallon drum of a category 3 flammable liquid, Daphine Oil Coat RL 55-NB, located adjacent to the oil dipping machine in the repack area, was properly grounded as it was being dispensed into the equipment.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-10-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 01702140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(1): An emergency response plan was not developed and implemented to handle anticipated emergencies prior to the commencement of emergency response operations. The plan was not in writing and available for inspection and copying by employees, their representatives and OSHA personnel.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure an emergency response plan was developed and implemented to cover employees responsible for responding to chemical releases such as anhydrous ammonia from the onsite piping and storage tank; and sodium bisulfate, potassium hydroxide, and potassium thiocyanate releases from the LS dipping and coating line.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-10-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 01702140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6): Training was not based on the duties and function to be performed by each responder of an emergency response organization. The skill and knowledge levels required for all new responders, those hired after the effective date of this standard, were not conveyed to them through training before they are permitted to take part in actual emergency operations on an incident. Employees who participate, or are expected to participate, in emergency response, were not given training in accordance with the following paragraphs.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with proper training on how to respond to a hazardous materials release such as anhydrous ammonia from the onsite piping and storage tank; and sodium bisulfate, potassium hydroxide, and potassium thiocyanate releases from the LS dipping and coating line.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.124(f): The employer did not ensure employees were knowledgeable of the first-aid procedures that are appropriate to the dipping or coating hazards to which they are exposed.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees working on the LS dipping and coating line were trained on the first aid procedures associated with corrosive potassium hydroxide, potassium thiocyanate, and sodium bisulfate chemical contact to the eyes, face, and skin.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.124(g)(2): An emergency shower and eye-wash station was not located close to the dipping or coating operation.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure a working emergency eyewash and shower located on the LS dipping and coating line platform was operational.  Employees were exposed to chemical splashes from substances such as potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfate, and potassium hydroxide when making chemical additions and taking chemical samples from the process tanks.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.124(h)(3): When employees work with liquids that may burn, irritate, or otherwise harm their skin the employer did not provide appropriate first-aid supplies that were located near the dipping or coating operation.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not provide appropriate first aid supplies near the LS dipping and coating line to treat chemical burns caused by exposure to corrosives such as potassium hydroxide, sodium bisulfite, and potassium thiocyanate.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, was not provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it was 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. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with protective equipment for the arms and torso when making chemical additions and taking samples from the tanks on the LS dipping and coating line.  Employees were exposed to substances such as potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, and potassium hydroxide which can cause severe skin burns.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).   a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not perform a protective equipment assessment of the LS dipping and coating line.  Employees were exposed to potassium hydroxide and sodium sulfite splash hazards to the face and were not provided with face shields when making chemical additions and taking samples from the process tanks.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1): The employer did not provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE.   a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with information and training on the face shields needed to be worn when working on the LS dipping and coating line. Employees are exposed to substances such as sodium bisulfite and potassium hydroxide, when making chemical additions and taking chemical samples from the process tanks.  Protective equipment training did not include the following topics:      1. When PPE is necessary;        2. What PPE is necessary;              3. How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;              4. The limitations of the PPE;          5. The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee used 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. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with protective equipment for the face when making chemical additions and taking samples from the tanks on the LS dipping and coating line.  Employees were exposed to substances such as sodium bisulfite and potassium hydroxide which can cause severe skin and eye burns.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $10229.00 · Current $0.00 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 was 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.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees unjamming the #1 and #2 clutch guide machines, located in the heat treat department, were provided with training on the company's lockout program regarding the following:        1.Recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources;            2.The type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace;            3.The methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the following elements and actions and were not done in the following sequence.  a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees locked out the equipment on the #1 clutch guide loading conveyor prior to unjamming parts between the pneumatic conveyor end pushers and the pneumatic parts elevator, exposing employees to shear point hazards and pinch point hazards when performing the unjamming activities.   b. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees locked out the pneumatic exit door on the #2 clutch guide blast cabinet prior to unjamming parts from the opening, exposing employees to pinch point hazards when performing the unjamming activities.   c. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees locked out the pneumatic exit and entry doors on the #2 clutch guide blast cabinet prior to using small tools to activate the proximity sensors, exposing the employees to pinch point hazards when performing the work.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $10229.00 · Current $0.00 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.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure the LS dipping and coating line transfer car which moves parts racks from the loading area to the potassium hydroxide tank on the LS dipping and coating line, was properly guarded.  The chain link fence gate accessing the transfer car was not interlocked to prevent movement the car when employees opened the gate to access the fixed ladder leading to the LS dipping and coating line platform.    b. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees operating the #2 clutch guide blasting machine, located in the heat treat department, were protected from pinch point hazards created by the pneumatically operated entry door.    c. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about December 15, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees operating the #1 clutch guide loading conveyor, located in the heat treat department, were protected from pinch point hazards and shear point hazards created by the pneumatic pusher mechanism on the end of the inclined conveyors.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8525.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 017014302140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training would be met.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure a written hazard communication program was developed and implemented which covered employees exposed to substances such but not limited to anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, and potassium hydroxide when working in the heat treat department and on the LS dipping and coating line.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-10-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 14302140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked.    a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure the dipping and coating tanks located on the LS dipping and coating line were labeled with information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemicals.  Employees were exposed to substances such but not limited to potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, and potassium hydroxide.

Issued

2019-03-21 00:00:00

Abate by

2019-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 017014302140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): The employer did not 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 was introduced into their work area.   a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  On or about October 29, 2018, the employer did not ensure employees exposed to substances such but not limited to anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, potassium thiocyanate, sodium bisulfite, and potassium hydroxide when working in the heat treat department and on the LS dipping and coating line, were provided with information and training on the physical and health hazards of the substances.

Issued

2018-12-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-12-26 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8315.00 · Current $4989.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c): The employer did not develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use. The program was not administered by a suitably trained program administrator.     a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  In July 2018, the employer did not develop and implement a written respiratory protection program which covered an employee required to wear tight fitting half face respirator when entering and cleaning out dipping and coating tanks on the LS line, which contained sodium hydroxide and sodium bisulfide residues.

Issued

2018-12-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-12-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace.   a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  In July 2018, the employer did not ensure an employee had received a medical evaluation prior to requiring the use of a tight fitting half face respirator when cleaning out the sodium hydroxide and sodium bisulfide residues from the dipping and coating tanks on the LS line.

Issued

2018-12-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-12-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(1): The employer did not ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as stated in this paragraph.  a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  In July 2018, the employer did not ensure an employee was fit tested prior to requiring the use of a tight fitting half face respirator when cleaning out the sodium hydroxide and sodium bisulfide residues from the dipping and coating tanks on the LS line.

Issued

2018-12-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-12-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 2140S050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1): The employer did not ensure that each employee could demonstrate knowledge of (i) through (vi) of this section.  a. Dowa THT America, Inc. located in Bowling Green, OH:  In January 2018, the employer did not ensure an employee had received training on the company's respiratory protection program prior to requiring the use of a tight fitting half face respirator when cleaning out the sodium hydroxide and sodium bisulfide residues from the dipping and coating tanks on the LS line.  The following information was not covered:      1. Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;       2. What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;       3. How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator;       4. What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator;       5. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators;       6. The general requirements of this section.