OSHA Inspection: ST. CLOUD VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM #656

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a):   Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:  (a)  Grounds:  Personal protective equipment, such as protective trousers or chaps, boots, and gloves suitable to protect against hazards associated with chainsaw use, was not provided for an employee performing tree branch and stump cutting activities after a severe weather incident.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 10, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3)(iii):   Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including isolating the permit space:  (a) Hydraulic Elevator Pits, Buildings 59,4,9,51,8,4,1,2,28,50,49: Entries were conducted into hydraulic elevator pits by an elevator/mechanic for the purpose of performing monthly visual inspections of the hydraulic system without a method to isolate the stored, potential energy of the elevator car to protect against unexpected car descent in the event of hydraulic system failure.  The employer had not developed and implemented an entry procedure which allowed bracing of the elevator car prior to entry into the pit, nor did the employer ensure that a bracing method was consistently used.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 10, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(e)(1):  Before entry was authorized, the employer did not document the completion of measures required by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing an entry permit:  (a) Hydraulic Elevator Pits, Buildings 59,4,9,51,8,4,1,2,28,50,49: Entries were conducted into hydraulic elevator pits by an elevator/mechanic for the purpose of performing monthly visual inspections of the hydraulic system without a method to isolate the stored, potential energy of the elevator car to protect against unexpected car descent in the event of hydraulic system failure.  The employer had not implemented their permit entry system for entry into these spaces.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D):   Lockout devices and tagout devices did not indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s):  (a) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50 - Basement:  Employees performing daily cleaning and weekly de-liming procedures on the Hobart dish washing machine applied a lock to the machine's electrical disconnect.  The lock was not identifiable to the person applying the lock.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(6):  Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that had been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee did not verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished:  (a) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50 - Basement:  Employees performing daily cleaning and weekly de-liming procedures on the Hobart dish washing machine did not verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine had been accomplished by attempting to start the machine and verifying that the hot water pressure gauge on the rear of the machine showed 0 p.s.i in the feed line.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D):   Each authorized employee did not affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device before working on the machine or equipment:  (a) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50 - Basement:  Each employee performing daily cleaning and weekly de-liming procedures on the Hobart dish washing machine did not apply an individual lock to a group lockout device.  One member of the group applied one lock to the machine's electrical disconnect.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(i):  All contact of the eyes and skin with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde was not prevented by the use of chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde and the use of other personal protective equipment such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation:  (a) Primary Care Womens Clinic, Building 29 - 1st Floor:  Eye protection was not required for handling of Protocol 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin solution containing 3.7% Formaldehyde during biopsy procedures.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Jan 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3):  Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  (a) SPD Preparation Room 17, Building 50 - Basement:  An Armstrong Medical A-Smart Cart was being stored directly in front of the Northeast exit access door leading to the stair tower.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 314814724, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 05, ISSUED ON 04/20/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 3001 GREEN BAY ROAD IN NORTH CHICAGO, IL.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1):  The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces were permit-required confined spaces:  (a) Boiler Plant, Building 87:  Prior to 7/18/11, the employer did not evaluate the Cleaver Brooks CBLE broilers #s 1-4 to determine if they were permit-required confined spaces. The spaces were evaluated by the employer on 7/18/11 and classified as non-permit required confined spaces.  The spaces meet the definition of permit-required confined spaces.  (b) Boiler Plant, Building 87: Prior to 7/18/11, the employer did not evaluate the deaerator tank associated with the boiler system to determine if it was a permit-required confined space. The space was evaluated by the employer on 7/18/11 and classified as a non-permit required confined space.  The space meets the definition of a permit-required confined space.  (c) Boiler Plant, Building 87: Prior to 7/18/11, the employer did not evaluate the condensate surge tank associated with the boiler system to determine if it was a permit-required confined space. The space meets the definition of a permit-required confined space.  (d) Laundry, Building 59: Prior to 7/18/11, the employer did not evaluate the CLM 200# and 400# dryers to determine if they were permit-required confined spaces. The spaces were evaluated by the employer on 7/27/11 and classified to not be confined spaces.  The spaces meet the definition of permit-required confined spaces.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 06A, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(B):   The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy:  (a) Lockout procedures were missing the element of machine/equipment specific steps for shut down prior to applying locks to energy isolation devices or employing other methods to isolate energy such as blocking or securing other hazardous energy sources.  THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 02, ITEM NUMBER 01B, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(C):   The energy control procedure did not clearly and specifically outline the steps for placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them:  (a) Laundry, Building 59: The lockout procedures for the Braun 600 lb Washer's #1 and #2 were a shared, common procedure which lacked specific information regarding the location of energy isolation devices and the lockout devices to be utilized.  Descriptions specific to each of the machines were not provided.  Photographs depicting the location of energy isolation devices and  lockout devices used to isolate energy were generic and not related to the specific machines.  A common procedure was utilized where two separate procedures were necessary.  The procedure did not identify the existence of and method for isolation for hot water feed lines, a thermal energy hazard.  (b) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50: The lockout procedure for the Hobart dish washing machine lacked specific information regarding the location of energy isolation devices and the lockout devices to be utilized.  Descriptions specific to the machine were not provided.  Photographs depicting the location of energy isolation devices and lockout devices used to isolate energy were generic and not related to the specific machine.  The procedure did not identify the existence of and method of isolations for steam and condensate, thermal energy hazards.  THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 02, ITEM NUMBER 01B, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(D):  The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control:  (a) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50 - Basement:   The lockout procedure for the Hobart dish washing machine did not identify the need to verify that the pressure in the hot water supply line had been reduced to 0 p.s.i. by checking the pressure gauge on the rear of the machine.  The verification procedure was generic and non-specific to the machine.  (b) Laundry, Building 59 - The  lockout procedures for the Braun 600 lb washers (#1 and #2) and the Braun 200 lb washer #3 did not identify the need to verify that the pneumatic pressure had been reduced to 0 p.s.i. by checking the pressure gauges located near the pnematic isolation valves.   The verification procedures were generic and non-specific to the machines.  (c) Laundry, Building 59 - The lockout procedures for the CLM 400 lb dryer and the CLM 200 lb dryer did not include the step of verifying the temperature indicator was in an adequate range after the steam valves had been closed.  The verification procedures were generic and non-specific to the machines.  THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 02, ITEM NUMBER 01B, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A):   Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control:  (a) Dietetics Dish Room 10B, Building 50 - Basement:  Employees performing daily cleaning and weekly de-liming procedures on the Hobart dish washing machine had not received training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources and the methods necessary for energy isolation and control.  Group lockout was not performed where more than one employee performed the procedures at one time with only one lock applied to the machine's electrical disconnect.  The lock was not identifiable to the person applying the lock. The key was not kept in control of the person applying the lock.  Verification of a a deenergized state was not determined by viewing that the water pressure gauge was reading 0 p.s.i.  The machine was not tested to verify that the isolation and deenergization of the machine had been accomplished.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION #315273698, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 05, ISSUED ON 04/01/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 4100 WEST THIRD STREET IN DAYTON, OH.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(i):  Lockout or tagout devices were not affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees:  (a) Laundry, Building 59: The Braun Omega folder was not deenergized and locked out during maintenance and servicing in the form of the daily removal of jammed sheets by hand from the folder immediately downstream of the roll ironer.  (b) Laundry, Building 59: The Vision Image LA steamer was not deenergized and locked out during maintenance and servicing in the form of weekly filter cleaning and vacuuming.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 315273698, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 06, ISSUED ON 04/01/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 4100 WEST THIRD STREET IN DAYTON, OH.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 09, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i):  The employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator was competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):  (a) Warehouse, Building 14:  Operator training provided only related to a Hyster 40 H4DXL propane sit down forklift.  Operator training was not provided specific to a Crown WR Series electric walk behind forklift, a Crown WP Series 2300 electric motorized pallet jack, and four PHS West Ergo Express electric motorized flatbed carts.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 314814724, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 08, ISSUED ON 04/20/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 3001 GREEN BAY ROAD IN NORTH CHICAGO, IL.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i):  Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not provided with electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body that needed to be protected and for the work being performed:  (a) Throughout the facility: Maintenance electricians performed troubleshooting and/or verification testing on electrical systems with voltages of 120v, 120/208v, and 480v without appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to:  (1) Arc-rated pants, arc-rated shirts for NFPA Hazard/Risk Category 1 work.  Employees working on 120v and 120/208v systems were not provided arc-rated clothing.  Employees routinely performed electrical work without the appropriate clothing.  (2) Arc-rated pants, arc-rated shirts for NFPA Hazard/Risk Category 2 work. An employee working on 480v systems was not provided with arc-rated clothing.   (3) Voltage rated gloves.  (4) Arc-rated face shields for NFPA Hazard/Risk Category 1 work.  (5) Arc-rated face shields for NFPA Hazard/Risk Category 2 work.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 315273698, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 14, ISSUED ON 04/01/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 4100 WEST THIRD STREET IN DAYTON, OH.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 27A, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)(i)(A): The sharps injury log did not contain the type and brand of device involved in the incident:  (a) Lab, Building 1 - Basement: The employer's sharps injury log entry for a 4/22/11 incident did not indicate the type and brand of the device involved in a blood draw procedure needle stick incident.  The log indicated 'UNCERTAIN' when the device type was a blood collection needle and the brand of the device was the Portex Venipuncture Needle-Pro.  More than one type and brand of blood collection needle with engineered sharps injury protection was available for use at the time of the inspection.  (b) Dental, Building 3 - 1st Floor:  The employer's sharps injury log entry for a 5/2/11 incident did not indicate the type and brand of the one hand capping device used during a multi-step procedure with a Becton-Dickinson anesthetic needle.  The log did not address the sharps injury protection system which was a Dentsply Jenter one hand capping device. More than one type and brand of one hand capping device was available for use at the time of the inspection.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 314965054, CITATION NUMBER 02, ITEM NUMBER 01, ISSUED ON 05/17/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 3001 GREEN BAY ROAD IN NORTH CHICAGO, IL.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 315273680, CITATION NUMBER 02, ITEM NUMBER 01, ISSUED ON 3/30/2011, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 4100 WEST THIRD STREET IN DAYTON, OH.  THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED WITHIN OSHA REGION V FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 313175937, CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM NUMBER 30, ISSUED ON 05/10/2010, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT ONE VETERANS DRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

Issued

Jan 12, 2012

Abate by

Feb 3, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(iii):  Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts were not marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter:  (a)Traction elevator mechanical room, Building 48 - Pent House: The traction elevator mechanical room contained unguarded 120/208v parts and was labeled 'elevator equipment room'.  Signage was not posted to denote live parts and prohibit unauthorized entrants.