Document oM3Xdv5XmpeoDOvnqzzVag97

FOR: LOCATION: BY: THE HARTFORD LOSS CONTROL REPORT FEE SERVICE ACCOUNT Z-905 G.A.F. Corporation 140 West 51st Street Sew York, NY 10020 G.A.F. Corporation 24 Enogene Street Mobile, AL 36606 J. C. Robinson, Personnel/Safety Manager H. V. Sodden, Jr., Plant Manager Tin Wilson, Resident Loss Control Representative The Hartford P. 0. Box 16407 (Servicing Office) Mobile, AL 36616 Birmingham Branch (66) Atlanta Regional (20) (Reporting Regionals) Date Serviced: August 16, 1982 Next Contact: September, 1982 Time Allocations: Travel Tine: On Site Tine: Report Tine: 1 hour 7 hours 2 hours gap 11389 PURPOSE OF VISIT: This was my initial visit to the Mobile, AL G.A.F. Manufacturing Plant. I met with Mr. J. C. Robinson to review the plant accident record and accident investigations,' and to survey the plant premises. I met with Mr. Robinson and Mr. B. V. Sodden, Plane Manager to review our findings. ACCIDENT RECORD REVIEW; The Monthly Injury Experience and Highlight Report for the period ending July 31,1982 was reviewed and discussed. While the plant is operating at a reduced level from 1981, it is'still experiencing a reduction in both the Lost Work Cay Incidence Rate (2.44 vs. 2.75) and a reduction in the Severity Rate (36.74 vs. 79.76). At this rate the plant will achieve the 1982 goal. j First Report of Injury form6 and accident investigations for employee injuries occurring I in 1962 were reviewed and discussed. Based on the information contained in this report I it is evident that accident repeaters are a significant problem at this plant. Four re/ cent accidents Involved employees who have experienced six or more accidents during the last two year period. Accident Investigations appear to be of an acceptable quality with one exception. In the investigation of the accident Involving Koppersmith occurring 5-25-82, the supervisor indicated that no unsafe condition nor unsafe act was involved in the accident. This would suggest that either the Injury was not work related or that it was an Act of Cod. PHYSICAL SURVEY OF PLANT: A department by department physical survey of the plant was made with Mr. Robinson. The deficiencies noted are discussed with the recommendations developed or are obvious from the nature of the recommendation. Certain areas of the plant have relatively high noise levels and fumes as well as dust likewise exist. The plant has according to Mr. Robinson had extensive testing in re gard to both noise and enlronmental exposures. Protective equipment in the form of i ear plugs has been specified for certain work stations. The employee at one such work ^ Station'was not utilizing hearing protection, however it was indicated that ha had a medical excuse. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE: As noted plant has conducted studies into noise and other environmental exposures. Addi tionally plant has been involved in litigation Involving Asbestos related claims involv ing manufacturing operations conducted prior to November 25, 1977. According to Mr. Robli son the Asbestos Mill was shut down November 25, 1977 and all accumulated dust, et al was removed at that time. In general, vehilation systess appear to be adequate to ex haust vapors and dust. RECOMMENDATIONS AMP SUGGESTIONS - Attached FUTURE PLANS: Next visit is scheduled for September, 1982. Due to inactivity in the Shingle Mill the equipment used in shingle manufacturing was not surveyed. GAF 11390 -*; G.A.F. - Mobile, AL 2s 8-18-82 CKIPFIF.-SKAKER This area was characterized by a very heavy accumulation of wood chips vhich resulted in blocked and obstructed walking and travel areas, blocked and .obstructed standpipe hose and fire extinqulsher, and blocked access to electrical panels. Additionally signifi cant exposures from .unguarded shafts on the chipper motor and drive mechanisns, auger drives on conveyers, end drives on the shaker equipment existed. 82-1 Eliminate heavy chip accumulations by: A. Removal of chips '. B. Adjustment of machinery to eliminate the escape of chips from the enclosed system. 82-2 Replace missing guards on the: A. Shafts on the chipper motor and bale drive mechanism B. Auger drives on conveyers C. Drives on shaker 82-3 Repair the broken hanging light fixture In the building. 82-4 Label electrical switch panels and electrical switches as to their function. 62-5 Repair or replace.the storage.building due to Its extremely poor condition. FIRE PUKP HOUSE " ' ) Improve the housekeeping procedures to Include the cutting of weeds around the outside of the building and the elimination of trash on the floor inside the building. .82-7 The small leak In the fire pump should be repaired. / HYDROPULPER 42 ^ 82-8 The heavy dust accumulation on equipment and building structural components in this area should be removed on a regular and timely basis. HYDROPULPER fl 82-9- The Inspection port grid should be replaced. 82-10 The sign indicating a safety shower Is In the wrong location and should be removed to the current location. Additionally access to this safety shower was blocked by. the temporary storage of machinery on the floor. FELT MACHINE - DRYER 82-11 Consideration should be given to supplying unprotected `Incandescent lights with suitable protective cages. Fixed installations rather than drop cords should be considered for areas where lighting Is necessary. SATURATED FELT WINDER GAF 11391 5UljUaO i i2>U .. .. ^a ;et!cT.: C.A.F. ~ Mobile, AL 2 = S-18-S2 82-12 A guard should be provided for the leather drive belt mechanism. 'N 82-13 The notably poor housekeeping in this area should be improved. SLATS DRUM During the course of our survey it was necessary for employees Is this area to rethread the felt machine. We observed that en employee sight utilise a work position which is too narrow, and which exposes his foot to two rotating shafts, and which provides no handhold. 82-14 The step-up at the slate drua area used for.rethreading the machine should be completely redesigned to provide a proper stable platform with handholds. MACHINE SHOP 82-15 The guard on the power hack saw should be replaced. 82-16 \ 82-17 The use of unlabeled open containers of solvents for parts cleaning should be eliminated. A suitable parts washing appliance should he provided and utilized. In no case should open containers of flammable or combustible liquids be per mitted. The unusually poor housekeeping and disorderly storage in this area, should be Improved. , TRUCK SHOP i, 82-18 The damaged retractable extension cord should be repaired or replaced.. \82-19 The unusually poor housekeeping conditions and disorderly storage in this area .should be Improved. i / PLANT IN GENERAL In general the housekeeping conditions at this plant are unacceptable. .Only the shipping department maintained an acceptable standard. 82-20 A housekeeping effort should be undertaken by plant management and supervision in order to develop and maintain acceptable housekeeping conditions. GAF 11392