OSHA Inspection: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS

Issued

Feb 20, 2001

Abate by

Feb 23, 2001

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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: Oxygen deficient atmosphere from cryogenic Nitrogen
releasing into enclosed
area.
a)MRI installation site at 525 E 70th Street.
Employees involved in cooling the MRI magnet with cryogenic Nitrogen were
exposed to an Oxygen deficient atmosphere because they did not establish or
implement any control measures or means to ensure that Oxygen deficiency or
displacement was not occurring in the work area, on or about 9/20/00.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement are:
Follow the existing MRI
magnet cooling procedures and control methods which are established and
utilized at GE`s fixed
facility which includes: Provide continuous oxygen monitoring; Provide
adequate air movement
and ventilation to prevent oxygen deficient atmospheres under 19.5by
using exhaust or floor
fans; Provide training to employees as to the properties and safe handling
of cryogenic Nitrogen.
(ie. It is heavier than air, odorless, colorless, can asphyxiate in
seconds without warning, etc..)
Additional references which contain useful abatement information includes:
The Manufacturer`s
Safetygram #17, Dangers of Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres; The Material
Safety Data Sheet;
Compressed Gas Association (CGA) pamphlet P-14 1992 Paragraph 6; and CGA
Pamphlet P-12
Safe Handling and Storage of Cryogenic Liquids.

Issued

Feb 20, 2001

Abate by

Feb 23, 2001

Penalty

Initial $2,250 · Current $2,250