OSHA Inspection: COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Issued

Jan 11, 1999

Abate by

Jan 15, 1999

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide:
(a)201 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket,RI: Employees working inside the building
were
exposed to excessive concentrations of carbon monoxide generated by a
diesel powered Bob-Cat
loader and two Liquefied Petroleum Gas concrete saws, which were intended
for outdoor use
only unless provided with exhaust ventilation to the outside. Five
employees were overcome and
treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. The fire department
tested the air quality
when they first arrived and found carbon monoxide levels in excess of 500
parts per million
(PPM). The NIOSH exposure limit for carbon monoxide is 200 PPM (a maximum
concentration
not to be exceeded for any period of time).
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct
this hazard
are:
1. Provide local exhaust ventilation to the concrete saw in accordance
with the
manufacturers direction.
2. Provide adequate general exhaust ventilation in the work area and
monitor levels of
carbon monoxide.
3,Utilize electric concrete saws inside a building or in an enclosed or
confined work area.
"ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM"

Issued

Jan 11, 1999

Abate by

Jan 29, 1999