Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 009A Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met: a) Mercury Products, Corp. in Schaumburg, IL, did not develop or implement a complete and effective written hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) that would at least describe how the following program elements would be met: 1) Labeling requirements for the containers/packages of the hazardous chemicals, including in-plant secondary containers; 2) Maintenance and availability of safety data sheets (SDSs); 3) Employee/worker training on the hazardous chemicals they use or are exposed to in their workplace; 4) A complete and accurate list or inventory of the hazardous chemicals known to be in the workplace that can be cross-referenced with the required safety data sheets (SDSs); 5) Methods to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks, and 6) Methods to inform other employers/contractors of SDS availability, labeling system and any other precautionary measures to protect employees. Mercury Products Corp. and contract employees were exposed to hazardous chemicals including, 100% acetone when used as a solvent/cleaner, 1st Ayd heavy duty degreaser (contains 2-butoxyethanol, n-butane, isopropyl alcohol and propane), Sunnyside denatured alcohol solvent (contains ethyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and light aliphatic naphtha) for cleaning metals parts. Employees in polishing and finishing were exposed to Hubercarb calcium carbonate (limestone powder), which contains up to 2% crystalline quartz silica. Press operators and set-up men were exposed to lube oils, such as WD-40. MIG welders were exposed to welding gases, such as nitrogen, in addition to welding fumes (that contained manganese, nickel, iron oxide and chromium). Polishers were exposed to metal particulates including manganese and chromium. In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.