OSHA Inspection: COMMERCIAL PLUMBING, INC.

Issued

Mar 15, 2012

Abate by

Apr 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,400 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that were 4 feet (1.22m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62m) of lateral travel for employees:    (a)  Commercial Plumbing, Inc. at 3240 Zuni St. in Denver, CO:  On and before February 25, 2011, the employer did not ensure that each employee conducting work in the excavation was provided with a safe means of egress, in that a ladder was provided in the shallow section of the excavation but not in the deep portion.  This condition would delay egress in the event of a cave-in or other emergency.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Mar 15, 2012

Abate by

Apr 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,400 · Current $1,200 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems were not made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could have resulted in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres and or other hazardous conditions:    (a) Commercial Plumbing, Inc. at 3240 Zuni St. in Denver, CO:  On and before February 28, 2012, the employer did not ensure that daily inspections of the excavation, that measured approximately 11 feet in depth, the adjacent area and protective systems were made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could have resulted in a hazardous condition.  The company owner did not identify hazards associated with the excavation and did not take prompt corrective action to eliminate the hazards. This condition exposed employees to a cave-in hazard.    Abatement Note: "Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Mar 15, 2012

Abate by

Apr 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $1,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1) Each employee in an excavation was not protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.652(b) or (c):    (a) Commercial Plumbing, Inc. at 3240 Zuni St. in Denver, CO:  On and before February 28, 2012, the employer did not ensure that each employee working in the excavation was protected from cave-in.  Two shields were installed vertically into the deep section of the excavation.  Above the shields was four feet of vertical soil and the East side of the excavation was 11' 3" of vertical soil. In addition, the West side of the excavation was benched which is not an adequate protective system. These conditions exposed employees to a crushing hazard by excavation wall cave-in.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Mar 15, 2012

Abate by

Apr 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(c)(2)(ii) : Deviation from the specifications, recommendations, and limitations issued or made by the shield system manufacturer were allowed without the manufacturer issuing specific written approval:    (a) Commercial Plumbing, Inc. at 3240 Zuni St. in Denver, CO:  On and before February 28, 2012, the employer deviated from the specifications, recommendations, and limitations issued or made by the manufacturer of the shield system.  Two shields were installed vertically into the deep section of the excavation and braced with 2x4's.  These conditions exposed employees to a crushing hazard by excavation wall cave-in.    Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").