OSHA Inspection: KEURIG GREEN MOUNTAIN

Issued

Dec 6, 2004

Abate by

Dec 30, 2004

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

21 VSA Title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-Chapter 5, 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 laser hazards associated with the operation of class 4
Carbon Dioxide lasers, and ocular
effects.
Location: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, 2nd Floor, Production Building,
Waterbury, VT.
Violation: 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 laser hazards associated with the operation of
class 4 Carbon Dioxide lasers, and
ocular effects. Hazards associated with the operation of the MARKEM
Smartlase system are listed in Section
2, Safety Information, MARKEM Smartlase Machine Manual and ANSI
Z136.1-2000 American National
Standard for Safe Use Of Lasers.
MARKEM Smartlase Machine Manual states:
2.1 Always observe the safety precautions found in this manual when
operating the Smartlase to prevent
possible injury from exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation.
2.1.1 The Smartlase is a class 4 laser. Class 4 lasers are those which
emit hazardous laser radiation when
operated in normal installations. Class 4 lasers may present a serious
fire, skin and eye hazard from both direct
and indirect exposure, including diffuse reflections.
2.1.3 The smartlase is a carbon dioxide laser that emits infrared
radiation at the 10.6 micron wavelength. This
radiation is invisible to the human eye. Direct and diffuse radiation can
inflict severe injuries to the cornea of
tbe eye and cause burns to the skin.
Always wear laser protective eyeware when in the same area as the exposed
beam. Always keep exposed skin
out of the path of the direct or reflected radiation from the laser.
The nominal hazard zone for the smartLase is a maximum of 10 feet (3,05m)
from the focal point. Always
observe these precautions when within the nominal hazard zone of the
laser.
Never look directly at an exposed laser beam. Laser protective eye wear
may not provide adequate protection
from exposure to the direct beam or from specular reflection.
ANSI Z136.1-2000
1.3.1 General. There shall be a desiginated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for
all circumstances of operation of a
Class 3b or Class 4 laser or laser system.
The LSO Shall:
1.3.2.1 verify classification of lasers used under the LSOs jurisdiction.
1.3.2.2 be responsible for hazard evaluation of the laser work areas.
1.3.2.3 assuring prescribed control measures are in effect.
1.3.2.5 recommend or aprove protective equipment.
1.3.2.6 aprprove wording on laser area signs.
1.3.2.9 adequate safety education and training are provided to laser area
personnel.
1.3.2.10 determine the personnel categories for medical surveillance.
4.3.10.2 Class 4 laser controlled area, all personnel entering must be
appropriately trained and provided
protective equipment.
4.4.3 Education and training shall be provided for operators, maintenance,
and service personnel for class 3b or
Class 4 lasers.
D6.  Training shall be provided to each employee routinely working around
lasers above Class 3a.
6.1 Medical surveillance General.  Medical surveilllance is not required
for personnel using Class 1,Class2 ,or Class 3a lasers, and shall be
required for personnel using Class 4.ass