OSHA Inspection: NVR, INC. DBA RYAN HOMES

Issued

2011-04-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2011-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $4500.00 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 fire, explosion, burn, asphyxiation, carbon monoxide
poisoning and/or electrical
shock hazards:
(a) 617 Glen Garry Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15239:  On or about February 26,
2011, the employer
used a DESA propane construction heater and the following safety
precautions in the owner's
manual were not adhered to; safety precaution 21, do not leave heater
unattended, safety
precaution 4, provide adequate ventilation, precaution 13, use only the
hose and factory preset
regulator provided and safety precaution 8, do not use heater in basement
or below ground level.
On February 28, 2011, a massive explosion occurred when an employee tried
to ignite this
heater, resulting in first, second and third degree burns.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable method to abate this hazard is
to follow the owner's
manual provided with the heater and comply with the National Fuel Gas Code
(NFPA 54),
specifically section 9.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation when using
the DESA Propane
Construction Heater.