OSHA Inspection: EMCORE SOLAR POWER, INC.

Issued

Jul 20, 2010

Abate by

Jul 30, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $1,875

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 were exposed to arsine at levels in excess of the Immediately
Dangerous to Life
and Health (IDLH) concentration of 3 parts per million (ppm) when working
in the wet
maintenance room.  The employer monitored concentrations of the gas in
excess of 250 ppm
at the time of employee exposure.  The employer was aware of the hazards
of hydride gases,
including arsine, as indicated in company work instruction documents and
was aware of the
potential for release of the gas as indicated by previous detection of
hydrides in the same
waste stream.
Feasible and acceptable methods for abatement include, but are not limited
to: Installing
engineering controls such as system(s) for containing, converting or
capturing hydride gas
during the process to the extent feasible; and requiring the use of
respiratory protection
appropriate for remaining levels where exposure exceeds IDLH
concentrations or OSHA
permissible limits.
Date Corrected:                                     Describe Corrective
Action:

Issued

Jul 20, 2010

Abate by

Jul 30, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $1,875