OSHA Inspection: COMSTRAT CORP. DBA VALCOM BUSINESS CENTER

Issued

Nov 13, 2001

Abate by

Jun 1, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 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 fungal growth due to chronic water
accumulation:
(A)Basement: On September 11, 2001 and times prior thereto, the sewer pipe
located to the right of the base of the stairs had leaked, causing the
surrounding soil to
become and remain moist.  Several species of fungi and yeast, such as but
not limited to,
Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys chartarum and Phoma, were
identified in a
bulk sample of the soil surrounding the sewer pipe.
(B)Basement: On September 11, 2001 and times prior thereto, the wood floor
and
soil located near the north wall of the basement were moist and the wood
was deteriorated as
a result of chronic moisture accumulation.  This moisture accumulation was
the
result of
condensation draining from the heating ventilation and air-condition
(HVAC) units directly
onto the floor, in addition to water entering the basement through the
street level freight
doors.  The floor level filter caps were covered with dirt and debris
which prevented the
water from effectively draining from the area.  Several species of fungi,
such as but not
limited to, Aspergillus versicolor, Scopulariopsis chartarum and
Tritirachium species, were
identified in a bulk sample of the wood floor.
(C)Basement: On September 11, 2001 and times prior thereto, fungal growth
was
observed on the wood ceiling beams near the sewer pipe.  Several species
of fungi, such as
Penicillium, were identified in a bulk sample of the surface of the beam.
(D)Basement: On September 11, 2001 and times prior thereto, the HVAC unit
which supplies conditioned air to the customer service area was observed
with a hole
approximately 12" by 15" in the side of the unit.  Makeup air from the
basement
was drawn
into the HVAC unit and distributed to the customer service work area,
thereby exposing the
workers to contaminants such as, but not limited to, fungi and dust.
(E)Basement: On September 11, 2001 and times prior thereto, the storm drain
from the roof had been draining water into the east corner of the basement
which resulted in
chronic water accumulation.
(F)Customer Service Area: On September 11, 2001, dirt and debris was
observed
in the ventilation system duct work when the supply grills were removed.
ABATEMENT NOTE: One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others
to
correct the hazard is to: Consult with a expert familiar with mold removal
and remediation to
prepare or review an effective remediation plan which includes correcting
the moisture
accumulation and ventilation problems in the basement and ensures the mold
and all
contaminated materials are properly disposed.  The remediation plan should
include steps
such as those listed below:
1.  Wet vacuum al contaminated surfaces.
2.  Damp-wipe surfaces with plain water or with water and detergent
solution such as a wood
floor cleaner.
3.  High-efficiency particulate air ( HEPA) vacuum after the material has
been thoroughly
dried.  Dispose of the contents of the HEPA vacuum in well-sealed bags.
4.  Discard water damaged materials and seal in plastic bags while inside
of containment.
Provide the worker with rubber gloves, full body disposable coveralls
complete with hood
and booties, and full-face respirator equipped with P-100 filters.
Note: Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required
for this item.