OSHA Inspection: RHCC CORP.

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,260 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
the hazard of fire and/or explosion
due to levels of flammable vapors in the work area in excess of the Lower
Explosive Limit (LEL).
The controlling employer (General Contractor), responsible for safety and
health on the work site, did not
ensure that the levels of flammable airborne chemicals were kept below the
Lower Explosive Limit.  On
3/12/97 an employee of a subcontractor was engaged in the spray
application of Trin-Kote LS High-Build
Sanding Sealer, a flammable liquid, at 308 Village Drive, Breckenridge,
CO.  The ventilation was inadequate
to maintain the flammable vapor level below the LEL and an ignition source
ultimately ignited the vapors.  The
subsequent explosion and fire resulted in severe injury to an employee.
ABATEMENT NOTE: The level of flammable vapors that are generated during
spray finishing operations must
be kept below the LEL, and should not exceed 25of the LEL.  This may be
accomplished by:
a) Substituting the flammable finish to one that is non-flammable (e.g.,
water based).
b) Reducing the rate of application to prevent dangerous vapor
accumulation.
c) Providing adequate ventilation to maintain vapor concentrations at safe
levels.  Any mechanical ventilation
must be non-sparking and approved for use in flammable atmospheres.
The LEL may be monitored by use of a commercially available flammable
vapor (LEL) monitor.

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,260 Reduced

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,100

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Penalty

Initial $2,100

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Apr 11, 1997

Abate by

Apr 23, 1997