OSHA Inspection: ANTHONY WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT

Issued

Apr 24, 2008

Abate by

May 6, 2008

Penalty

Initial $100 · Current $100

General-duty citation text

11.5.1.13 NMAC
Section 50-9-5(A), NMSA 1978 (New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety
Act):
Every employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a
place
of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or
are
likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees:
Employees are exposed to injuries resulting from improper storage of
incompatible chemicals
and materials.  In a stand-alone outdoors storage shed at sewage treatment
plant, chemicals
are being stored that, if inadvertently mixed, would cause a exothermic
reaction and the
release of toxic gasses.  Containers of Sewer Comound XXX, POOLIFE
Chlorinator and
Natraklene chemicals are all being store in the area, as well as gasoline
powered machine,
cardboard boxes, insulation and wooden pallets.  This material could
intensify a chemical
fire.  Additionally, POOLIFE Chlorinator should not be stored in an area
where average
daily temperatures could exceed 95 degrees, due to the product's
combustibility and the
buildup of chlorine gas.  The storage shed is located outdoors in Anthony,
NM where the
average daily temperature in June and July is 97 degrees.
Employer knowledge of hazardous conditions comes from warning labels on
the chemical
containers and from information on the material safety data sheets.
Feasible means of abatement could include moving the POOLIFE Chlorinator
into an area
with proper storage conditions, which would be free of flammable and
combustible materials,
incompatible chemicals and temperature controlled.  Determine
compatibility of other items
in storage shed and arrange and store flammable and combustible materials
and chemicals
accordingly.
Date Corrected:                                     Describe Corrective
Action:

Issued

Apr 24, 2008

Abate by

Jun 11, 2008

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $375