OSHA Inspection: C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Issued

Apr 14, 2008

Abate by

May 8, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

Hazardous substances 8120

General-duty citation text

21 VSA Title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-chapter 5, Section 223(a), Section 5(a)(1)
of the Occupational Safety &
Health Act of 1970:  The employer did not furnish employment and a place
of employment which was free
from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to employees in that
employees were exposed to mycotoxins from mold in the freezer dock area.
Location:  C & S Wholesale Grocers, Brattleboro, VT - Freezer dock area,
Door 60 through 100.
Violation:  The employer did not provide a place of employment free from
the recognized hazard of mold,
which is likely to cause serious physical harm to employees, in that,
employees may develop respiratory
illness up to and including pulmonary emphysema, as well as kidney and
liver damage with continued
exposure to these specific strains of mold (Cladosporium, Penicillium,
Alternaria, Chyrsosporium and
Ulocladium).
Feasible and acceptable means of abatement include but are not limited to:
a)   using the corporate Hazmat Team to sanitize the freezer dock area off
hours, as needed
b)   eliminate the warmer air from entering through the dock doors and
condensing and freezing on surfaces
in this freezer dock area either with seals or temperature adjustment zones
c)   training a maintenance crew on site in mold abatment and have them
maintain the freezer dock area