Lead Exposures at Gun Range Bring Citations
OSHA has proposed a total of $201,000 in penalties against Miami, Fla.-based E.N. Range Inc.
Alleging that workers who removed lead pellets at an outdoor gun range in Oley, Pa., have been exposed to dangerous lead levels, OSHA has cited Miami, Fla.-based E.N. Range Inc. and proposed a total of $201,000 in penalties against it.
A complaint about lead and alleged deficiencies in the company's respiratory protection program triggered the inspection. OSHA has filed three willful citations with penalties of $168,000 and 11 serious citations with penalties of $33,600.
"E.N. Range failed to take the necessary steps to protect employees exposed to lead levels above the permissible limit," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA’s area office in Harrisburg. "Lead overexposure is a leading cause of workplace illness that can lead to serious, adverse health problems."
The willful citations allege the company failed to ensure employees exposed to lead above the permissible limit did not wear contaminated protective clothing home; provide a change room and ensure employees removed protective clothing in the change room at the end of the work shift; provide shower facilities for employees exposed to lead; ensure employees washed their hands and faces before eating and drinking; maintain all surfaces free of lead accumulation; and provide information and training on lead. The serious citations allege it failed to use a guardrail on an open-sided platform; use ladders set at the proper angle; select the appropriate respirator; identify and evaluate respiratory hazards in the workplace; fit test employees for respirators; implement engineering controls to reduce lead exposures; and replace protective clothing as needed. The company also was cited for allegedly failing to notify employees when blood tests indicated lead levels above the permissible limit, provide employees with a written medical opinion for lead, post warning signs where employees were exposed to lead above the permissible limit, and accurately record all air monitoring results.
For more information about OSHA's lead standard and lead hazards, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/lead/index.html.