The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted the final rule to carry out the state’s Children’s Safe Product Act. The rule is designed to collect information that will help government and the public better understand the presence of chemicals in children’s products. It requires manufacturers of children’s products to report if their products contain certain chemicals.
The rule applies to companies that make children’s products like toys, cosmetics, jewelry, and baby products. The largest manufacturers of products likely to be placed in a child’s mouth or on their skin, or products for children age 3 and under, must report first. Ecology expects to receive the first reports in 2012. Other manufacturers will report according to the phased-in schedule outlined in the rule.
Retailers who only sell, but don’t make or import, children’s products are not subject to the rule.
The Children’s Safe Product Act was signed by Gov. Gregoire on April 1, 2008. The law consisted of two basic parts. The first limited the amount of lead, cadmium and phthalates permissible in children’s products sold in Washington after July 1, 2009.
However, these standards were substantially preempted by the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed by Congress in July 2008. This federal act also limits the amount of lead, cadmium, and phthalates allowed in some children’s products, and prevents states from enacting similar legislation. This act is being enforced by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The second part of Washington’s law, requiring manufacturers to report on chemicals of concern in children’s products, was not preempted by federal statute.
After hearing from a Governor-appointed advisory group, Ecology launched a pilot rule process in January 2010, working with children’s product-makers and others to learn how best to structure the chemical reporting process under the law.
Since then, the agency has been taking formal public comments on the draft rule and making revisions to the rule in response the comments it has received.
“We have taken a deliberate, thoughtful and collaborative approach to carrying out this pioneering and important law,” Carol Kraege, Ecology’s Reducing Toxics Threats coordinator. “This process should be workable for the parties affected, while at the same time moving toward the goal of safer products for children.”
In consultation with the state Department of Health, Ecology has developed a list of 66 chemicals that manufacturers must report on. The list can be found in the rule, as well as on Ecology’s Children’s Safe Product Act website. The list of chemicals is dynamic—Ecology may change the rule to update the list in the future as new information becomes available.
As required by the law, all the chemicals on the list are toxic and have either been found in children’s products or have been documented to be present in human tissue (e.g., blood, breast milk, etc.). But just because a chemical is present in a product does not mean that children are being exposed to it or harmed by it.
Reporting on the use of toxic chemicals is the first step toward making products safer for children. Reports under this law will help policy makers decide if further actions are needed.
How to Prepare for OSHA Adoption of the GHS for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (soon to be called “safety data sheet”), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on MSDSs.
Environmental Resource Center is offering webcast training courses where you will learn how the new rule differs from current requirements, how to implement the changes, and when the changes must be implemented. Dates for the upcoming webcasts include:
- August 15
- August 31
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California Adopts Hexavalent Chromium Public Health Goal
The final PHG for hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium 6, is set at 0.02 ppb, which is the same level as the draft that was released for public comment in December 2010.
“This final public health goal is the culmination of years of study and research on the health effects of this chemical,” said Dr. George Alexeeff, OEHHA’s Acting Director. “As the nation’s first official goal for this contaminant, it will be an important tool that the Department of Public Health will use to develop a regulatory standard that will protect Californians from the health risks of chromium 6 in drinking water.”
“Adoption of the PHG is an important step in the process of ensuring high-quality drinking water for Californians,” said Dr. Alexeeff. “The PHG reflects the most recent and definitive scientific research and demonstrates OEHHA’s commitment to fully assessing the health risks of hexavalent chromium.”
A PHG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water that does not pose a significant health risk. It is not a regulatory level for cleanup of groundwater or surface water contamination.
The public health goal for chromium 6 is not a maximum “safe” level for exposure to the chemical. Rather, it serves as an assessment of the health risk posed by drinking water that contains chromium 6, based on an estimated “one in one million” lifetime cancer risk level. For every million people who drink tap water with that level of chromium 6 each day for 70 years, there is likely to be one additional case of cancer from exposure to the chemical.
State law requires OEHHA to set PHGs to provide scientific guidance to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in developing enforceable drinking water standards. By law, CDPH must set the eventual standard as close to the PHG as economically and technically feasible.
The PHG for chromium 6 reflects new research documenting that young children and other sensitive subpopulations are more susceptible than the general population to health risks from exposure to carcinogens. It is based on a study published by the National Toxicology Program in 2007 in which laboratory rats and mice were given drinking water containing high levels of chromium 6. Some of the laboratory animals developed gastrointestinal tumors. OEHHA, CDPH and other organizations requested the research to provide data needed to develop a chromium 6 PHG and drinking water standard.
Chromium 6 occurs naturally in some drinking water. The metal is also used in a number of industrial applications and has entered some water supplies as a result of past waste-disposal practices.
OEHHA is the primary state entity for the assessment of risks posed by chemical contaminants in the environment. Its mission is to protect and enhance public health and the environment by scientific evaluation of risks posed by hazardous substances.
OEHHA, which is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, issued original and revised draft versions of the PHG for public comment in August 2009 and December 2010, respectively. The University of California also oversaw two separate external scientific peer reviews of the PHG. The final PHG document includes responses to both the peer reviewers’ comments and to the extensive number of comments received from the public.
MSHA Releases Midyear Mine Fatality Update
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released a midyear summary of mining deaths in the country. As of June 30, eight miners were killed in coal mining operations, and six in the metal and nonmetal sector.
“Even though the number of mining deaths for the first half of this year are at an all-time low, one mining death is still one too many,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “Fatalities can be prevented,” he added. “They are not an inevitable byproduct of mining. Effective health and safety programs, training of miners and proper workplace examinations can identify and eliminate the hazards that kill and injure miners. Mine operators are well aware they must take responsibility for the health and safety conditions in their mines to prevent these tragedies.”
Of the eight coal mining deaths, three were a result of machinery accidents. Two miners died in rib collapse accidents, two miners were killed in powered haulage accidents, and one miner was killed in a fall accident. Two of the eight fatalities involved contractors.
Of the six fatalities in metal and nonmetal mines, two miners died as a result roof collapses. One miner was killed when he was struck by sliding material, one miner died in a machinery accident, one miner lost his life in a powered haulage accident and another miner was killed in a fall accident. Two of the fatalities involved contractors.
MSHA has taken a number of actions to identify mines with health and safety problems, and has initiated several outreach and enforcement initiatives including “Rules to Live By,” a fatality prevention program spotlighting the safety and health standards most frequently cited during fatal accident investigations.
“We believe those actions, along with initiatives by the mining industry, have resulted in the improved safety record thus far this year,” said Main. “No miners should have to die on the job just to earn a paycheck. MSHA is vigorously enforcing the Mine Act, and constantly looking for ways to improve policies and regulations to prevent these unnecessary tragedies. We want all miners to go home safe and healthy at the end of each shift.”
OSHA Cites Brooklyn Tortilla Manufacturers Following Fatality
OSHA cited three Brooklyn tortilla manufacturers for a total of 34 alleged violations of workplace safety and health standards following inspections conducted in the wake of the January death of a worker at Tortilleria Chinantla Inc., located at 975 Grand St. Brooklyn, New York.
Juan Batten, a 22-year-old Guatemalan immigrant, died when he became caught in the auger of a mixing machine. OSHA’s inspection found that the mixer was not guarded to prevent employees from coming into contact with its points of operation.
“Proper and effective machine guarding would have eliminated this hazard and prevented this young worker’s death,” said Kay Gee, OSHA’s area director for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. “This was a clearly recognizable hazard that should have been addressed.”
In addition to other machine guarding hazards identified during the inspection, Tortilleria Chinantla lacked a hazardous energy control—or lockout/tagout—program to prevent the unintended startup of machinery, a chemical hazard communication program, and the required training for operators of powered industrial trucks. The company also failed to record the worker’s death on its illness and injury log. As a result, Tortilleria Chinantla was cited for one willful, six serious, and one other-than-serious violation, carrying a total of $62,400 in proposed fines.
A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
Separately, and in response to reports of possible hazards, OSHA also inspected two other tortilla manufacturers: Buena Vista Tortillas Corp., located at 219 Johnson Ave., and La Tortilleria Mexicana Los Tres Hermanos Corp., located at 271 Star St.
Buena Vista Tortillas was cited for 13 serious and one other-than-serious violation with $39,000 in proposed fines for machine guarding, electrical, lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher, exit route, hazard communication, and fall hazards. La Tortilleria Mexicana Los Tres Hermanos was cited for 12 serious violations with $33,600 in proposed fines for machine guarding, electrical, exit route, powered industrial truck, and formaldehyde hazards.
“What is particularly disturbing is that we found a number of similar hazards at all three facilities,” said Gee. “While no fatalities have occurred at the other locations, I call upon these and other similar employers to review their workplaces to identify and eliminate hazards.”
“Safeguarding workers against occupational injuries and illnesses depends in great part on ensuring that workers know and understand the hazards and safeguards associated with their jobs. That is especially important in workplaces where English may not be the employees’ primary language,” said Diana Cortez, OSHA’s regional diverse workforce coordinator. “Employers must provide information and training in a way their workers will understand. I encourage both groups to seek out this vital information online or in person.”
“One means by which employers can enhance safety and health in their workplaces is by establishing and maintaining an illness and injury prevention program, in which employers and employees work together to identify and eliminate hazards before they cause harm,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA’s regional administrator in New York.
Sara Lee Bakery Fined for Unguarded Machinery after Worker Suffers Finger Laceration
OSHA cited Earth Grains Baking Cos. Inc., doing business as Sara Lee on Panthersville Road in Decatur, Georgia, for nine safety violations following a February investigation of an incident in which a worker’s finger was severely lacerated while operating a bread slicing machine. Proposed penalties total $51,800.
One repeat violation related to the injury was cited for exposing workers to hazards due to a lack of machine guarding on the bread slicer. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for a similar violation in May 2007 at a Wichita, Kansas, facility.
Three serious violations involve not providing machine guarding for sprocket wheels and chains, not protecting shaft ends on the power transmission apparatus, and failing to conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedures.
Five other-than-serious violations involve not completing the OSHA 300A and 301 logs for recording injuries and illnesses.
“This injury could have been prevented had the company followed proper machine guarding safety procedures,” said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-East Area Office. “All employers have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe for their employees.”
Alabama Recycler Cited for Failure-to-abate, Repeat and Serious Safety Violations
OSHA cited First Material Systems Inc., of Lapine, Alabama, for six safety violations following a January 27 inspection, including two violations that had been cited during a July 2010 inspection but had not been corrected. Penalties total $60,390.
The two failure-to-abate violations with proposed penalties of $48,510 include failing to provide employees with a lockout/tagout program to prevent the unexpected startup of grinders and shredders before performing maintenance, and not providing fire extinguisher training for employees. Prior to the January inspection, the company had certified to OSHA that these two violations identified during the July inspection had been corrected. Failure-to-abate violations occur when a previous citation has become a final order of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, and the original condition, hazard, or practice has been found uncorrected upon re-inspection.
A repeat violation with a $6,600 penalty was cited for failing to provide forklift training for new employees in the time that elapsed since the previous inspection.
Two serious violations with $5,280 in penalties were cited for not enclosing electrical boxes and having a damaged strain relief mechanism for wires entering into the electrical boxes.
One other-than-serious violation with no monetary penalty was cited for failing to certify that forklift operators had completed their training.
“This employer has continued to endanger its workers by failing to correct hazardous conditions,” said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA’s area director in Mobile. “Such disregard for workers’ safety will not be tolerated.”
OSHA Cites AMF Bowling Following Worker Fatality
OSHA cited AMF Bowling Centers Inc., for three serious and three repeat violations following the death of a worker at the company’s 300 Dallas facility on Belt Line Road in Addison, Texas. OSHA’s Dallas Area Office initiated an inspection February 21, after receiving a report that a worker was fatally injured from being caught in a pinsetter machine while clearing a jam.
“This company failed to install the required machine guarding on the pinsetter machine,” said Stephen Boyd, OSHA’s area director in Dallas. “If OSHA’s standards had been followed, it is possible that this tragedy could have been avoided.”
The serious violations involve failing to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures, ensure fixed stairs were provided for access from one structural level to another, and ensure employees were protected from falling into the pinsetter machines by providing a guardrail system around the machines or a personal fall arrest system.
The repeat violations involve failing to provide machine guarding, provide guards for pulleys that were 7 feet or less from the floor, and ensure that flexible cords were connected to devices and fittings so tension would not be transmitted to the joints or terminal screws. OSHA cited the company in January 2007 and June 2008 for similar violations. Proposed penalties total $112,600.
OSHA cites North Suffolk Mental Health Association for Inadequate Workplace Violence Safeguards
OSHA cited Massachusetts-based North Suffolk Mental Health Association for failing to provide its employees with adequate safeguards against workplace violence. OSHA opened an inspection following the January death of an employee who was allegedly abducted from the company’s group home in Revere, Massachusetts, by one of the residents.
The senior counselor, who was working alone, was attacked and fatally injured during the performance of her regularly assigned duties. OSHA’s inspection found that employees at the facility are exposed to the hazard of physical assault while providing services to clients, and that the employer failed to develop and implement adequate measures to protect employees against such assaults.
As a result, OSHA has cited the facility with a serious violation of the agency’s “general duty clause” for failing to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death.
“This citation points to the clear and pressing need for this employer, and other employers in this industry, to develop a comprehensive and effective program to proactively address workplace violence situations that imperil the safety and health of their workers,” said Jeffrey A. Erskine, OSHA’s area director in Andover. “Prevention, protection, awareness, training and communication are critical to protecting these workers against death or serious injuries.”
The citation includes a number of suggested and feasible means of abatement that the facility can pursue to address the workplace violence issue, including:
- Creating a stand-alone written workplace violence prevention program that includes implementation of workplace controls and prevention strategies, hazard/threat/security assessments, a workplace violence policy statement outlining and emphasizing a zero tolerance policy for workplace violence, incident reporting and investigation, and periodic review of the prevention program.
- Establishing a system to identify clients with assaultive behavior problems and train all staff to understand the system used.
- Putting in place procedures to communicate any incident to staff so that employees without access to client charts are aware of previous violent or aggressive acts by a client.
- Identifying the behavioral history of new or transferred clients, including conducting criminal and sexual offender records checks.
- Conducting more extensive training so that all employees are aware of the facility’s workplace violence policy and where information about it can be found, including training employees to clearly state to clients that violence is not permitted or tolerated; how to respond during a workplace violence incident; recognize when individuals are exhibiting aggressive behavior and how to de-escalate the behavior; and identify risk factors that can cause or contribute to assault.
- Installing and positioning panic buttons, walkie-talkies, recording security camera systems and smart phone GPS applications to better monitor employee safety and increase staff communication and support; implement and maintain a buddy system on at least the second and third shifts, based on a complete hazard assessment.
The citation carries a proposed penalty of $7,000, the maximum amount that can be proposed for a serious violation.
$112,000 in Fines for 19 violations
OSHA has cited NTN-Bower Corp., and on-site contractor Advanced Technology Services Inc., for a total of 19 safety and health violations at NTN-Bower’s Hamilton, Alabama, plant. Proposed penalties total $112,200 following a January inspection, which was a follow-up to a 2009 inspection.
NTN-Bower Corp., is one of the largest manufacturers of precision roller bearings used in industrial and agricultural equipment, with its main office located in Macomb, Illinois. Advanced Technology Services Inc., is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, and performs maintenance support activities within host companies.
NTN-Bower was cited for one repeat safety violation with a penalty of $22,000 for failing to label hazardous chemical containers. The Hamilton plant received a citation for the same violation in 2009.
Additionally, ten serious safety violations with $50,600 in proposed penalties including not requiring employees working with corrosive chemicals to wear eye, face, hand, or body protection; failing to have an eyewash station or other means available for drenching; not protecting a battery charger from being damaged by trucks; failing to secure and balance crane loads; missing machine guarding; and an electrical disconnect switch that was not readily accessible.
Two serious health violations with $8,800 in penalties include not establishing a baseline hearing test for employees and failing to follow up with annual tests for employees.
Advanced Technology Services was cited for six serious safety violations with penalties of $30,800 for allowing unguarded, open-sided platforms to not have handrails; not providing a landing platform for ladders when employees had to step a distance greater than 12 inches; failing to provide an evaluation of confined space rescue and emergency services; having disconnect switches that were not marked with their purpose; and blocking disconnect switches in the tool room.
“This inspection identified a range of safety and health deficiencies that need to be addressed by the employers in order to protect employees,” said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA’s area director in Birmingham. “It is the employers’ responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace.”
OSHA Fines Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products $379,000 for 18 Violations
OSHA cited Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products in Pound, Wisconsin, for a total of 18 alleged health and safety violations, including 13 willful violations. The company is facing $378,620 in proposed penalties following a January inspection.
“Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products has a history of failing to comply with OSHA standards. The company has yet to abate many violations cited in a previous inspection,” said Michael Connors, OSHA’s regional administrator in Chicago. “When employers knowingly ignore safety and health requirements, they are unduly placing their workers at risk for illnesses and injuries, and that is unacceptable.”
Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products was first inspected by OSHA in 2006 and issued eight citations. A follow-up inspection in 2007 found that most of the originally cited hazards remained unabated. Following the May 2010 issuance of a secretary of labor petition for summary enforcement, the company was given 30 days to work with a Wisconsin state consultation service to abate the violations. The consultation service is alleged to have ended the abatement process due to a lack of cooperation by the company. Many of the originally cited violations once again were cited during the January 2011 inspection.
Five willful health violations involve failing to implement a hearing conservation program for employees whose noise exposure exceeded 85 decibels; perform and certify a hazard assessment of the workplace; develop and implement a hazard communication program to include training for employees; maintain copies of material data sheets; and provide appropriate eye protection for workers. Additionally, the company allowed unsanitary conditions to pose serious fire and explosion hazards by letting sawdust accumulate in a pile of approximately 4 feet by the outer wall and several inches on horizontal surfaces such as pipes, wall supports, and ledges.
Eight willful safety violations involve a lack of machine guarding on belts, pulleys, gears, and band saw blades; a lack of guardrails; unguarded open-sided floors and platforms presenting a fall hazard greater than 4 feet; not using electrical equipment correctly; and not effectively closing openings in boxes and cabinets. Proposed penalties for the 13 willful citations total $360,800.
The company also was cited for one repeat safety violation, with a proposed penalty of $7,920, for failing to provide potable water for drinking.
Three serious safety violations, with proposed penalties of $9,900, include failing to periodically inspect energy control procedures, use group lockout devices, and train employees in electrical safety.
One other-than-serious violation, with no monetary penalty, was cited for failing to provide an illuminated exit sign.
Advantage Powder Coating Cited for Machine Guarding Violation Following Worker Death
OSHA cited Advantage Powder Coating in Defiance, Ohio, for 15 safety violations following an inspection resulting from the January death of a pedestal grinder operator who was killed when the abrasive wheel on the grinder exploded and struck the operator on the head.
“Employers have a responsibility to protect the safety of their workers, and that includes having proper machine guards installed and following appropriate safety procedures to prevent tragedies like this one,” said Michael Connors, OSHA’s regional director in Chicago, Illinois. “No worker should ever risk injury or death to earn a paycheck.”
Two willful violations were cited for a lack of properly adjusted safety guards and work rests on pedestal grinders.
Eleven serious citations include failing to have underhung cranes marked with rated load capacity; mark hook-lifting devices with rated capacity; provide identifying information for slings; and provide machine guarding on abrasive wheel machinery.
Two other-than-serious record-keeping violations include failing to record work-related injuries that occurred in 2008 and 2009. Advantage Powder Coating faces total proposed penalties of $159,600.
Initiated in 2010, the program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate violations. Advantage Powder Coating was placed in the program for receiving two willful violations of hazards covered under the agency’s National Emphasis Program on Amputations.
Lumber Mill Cited for 35 Serious Violations Following Worker Death
OSHA has cited B&B Lumber Co., Inc., for 35 alleged serious violations of workplace safety standards following the February 7 death of a worker at its Jamesville, New York, sawmill.
The worker, who was changing the blades on an edging saw, was killed when another employee inadvertently started the saw. That standard mandates that machines be shut down and their power sources locked out before employees perform maintenance.
“This is exactly the type of needless and devastating occurrence that the hazardous energy control standard is designed to prevent,” said Christopher Adams, OSHA’s area director in Syracuse. “One unintended or unknowing turn of a machine’s ‘on’ switch can end a worker’s life in seconds. That’s why effective lockout/tagout safeguards must be implemented and maintained at all times.”
OSHA’s inspection also identified several other unrelated hazardous conditions at the mill encompassing fall, electrical, machine guarding, ladder use, and personal protective equipment hazards, as well as inadequate means of egress. Left uncorrected, they expose employees to the hazards of falls, electrocution, lacerations, amputation, being caught in moving machine parts, and being unable to exit the workplace swiftly in the event of an emergency. B&B Lumber faces a total of $152,100 in proposed fines for these conditions.
“One means of eliminating hazards such as these is for employers to establish an injury and illness prevention program in which workers and management continually work to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA’s regional administrator in New York.
Pearce Foundry Cited for Respirable Silica, Other Hazards
OSHA cited Pearce Foundry Inc., in Prairieville, Louisiana, for 39 serious and two other-than-serious health and safety violations, including exposing workers to respirable silica. Proposed penalties total $158,200.
“This company jeopardized the health of its workers by exposing them to respirable silica above OSHA’s established limits,” said Dorinda Folse, director of OSHA’s Baton Rouge Area Office. “Long-term exposure to silica can lead to disabling illnesses.”
OSHA’s Baton Rouge office began its inspection February 7 at the company’s facility on Airline Highway where employees were manufacturing high-alloy metal castings for use in the dredging and mining industries.
Serious violations include failing to ensure levels of respirable silica met safety standards; maintain eating and drinking facilities free of hexavalent chromium; conduct annual audiograms and provide training on the use of hearing protection; conduct initial and annual respiratory fit tests and training on the use of respirators; properly maintain powered industrial trucks and overhead cranes; train employees on the health hazards of respirable silica, metal dust, and fumes; and properly store compressed oxygen and acetylene gases.
Other-than-serious violations relate to failing to properly install and maintain electrical equipment.
Pearce Foundry is a metal casting facility that employs about 30 workers and specializes in high durability iron, steel, stainless steel, high alloy, and ductile castings. It is a subsidiary of Prairieville-based, The Pearce Group Inc.
OSHA Cites Brenner Tank Services for Machine Guarding, Respirable Dust, Other Hazards
OSHA has cited Brenner Tank Services in Mauston, Wisconsin, for 11 safety and health violations, including one willful violation. The company faces proposed penalties of $114,000 as a result of health and safety inspections conducted in January.
“Failing to take basic precautions, such as installing guards on machines and monitoring employees’ exposure to respirable dust, is irresponsible and illegal,” said Kim Stille, OSHA’s area director in Madison. “Workers’ safety and health should be paramount on any job site.”
The willful violation, with a proposed penalty of $70,000, was cited for failing to guard the point of operation on the shear so that operators were prevented from reaching the danger zone while the shear was being used.
Nine serious violations include failing to have a point-of-operation guard on a press brake; overexposing employees to respirable crystalline silica while sandblasting; lack of engineering controls to reduce silica exposures below the permissible exposure limit; not running exhaust through a dust collection system; allowing dust to accumulate outside of the blast enclosure; failing to evaluate respiratory hazards; failing to conduct medical evaluations for workers using respirators; respirator couplings not being compatible with air hose couplings; failing to ensure surfaces were kept as free as possible of hexavalent chromium; and lack of hazard communication training.
One other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to sample employees expected to have the highest hexavalent chromium exposure levels.
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