OSHA Inspection: KMART CORPORATION

Issued

Apr 16, 2002

Abate by

Apr 18, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,275 · Current $600 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 was free from
recognized hazards
which were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in
that employees
were exposed to the hazard of chemical burns from battery acid:
a) On or about March 6, 2002 and at times prior, employees were exposed to
the hazard of
chemical burns from the improper storage of automotive batteries. The
batteries were stacked
on top of each other and were unstable and subject to falling over. This
could result in
battery case fracture and release of electrolyte. In addition, the exposed
battery terminals
were subject to dead shorting by metal objects in the area which could
result in explosion
and employee exposure to the released acid.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazardous condition would be to place a piece of honeycomb cardboard
between each layer
of batteries thus creating a stable, level storage surface.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Apr 16, 2002

Abate by

Apr 18, 2002