OSHA Inspection: WATCO MECHANICAL SERVICES

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer does not furnish to each of their employees a place of employment which is free from the recognized hazard of combustible dust from equipment and the increased risk of fire, deflagration, and/or explosion which is likely to cause death or serious physical harm.      This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where the dust collection system was insufficient to control fugitive dust during blasting operations exposing employees to potential dust explosion and fire hazards.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation describing the actions that it is taking to ensure that the equipment is maintained and operated in a manner that minimizes the escape of dust during blasting operations.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-02-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(3)(iii): Air and oxygen cylinders of self-contained breathing apparatuses were not maintained in a fully charged state:    The employer does not ensure that air and oxygen cylinders of self-contained breathing apparatuses are maintained in a fully charged state.     a)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (SCH229715-E11C) maintained for emergency use was empty exposing employees to inhalation hazards.       b)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (DOT-E10915-4500) maintained for emergency use was not fully charged exposing employees to inhalation hazards.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that air and oxygen cylinders of self-contained breathing apparatuses are maintained in a fully charged state.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(1): Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry:      The employer's confined space program does not ensure that measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry are implemented.  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars with bottom gates open to perform abrasive blasting.    Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open is implemented.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(2):  Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees entered:      The employer does not ensure that the hazards of performing abrasive blasting inside hopper rail cars with bottom gates open are identified and evaluated before employees enter.  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars with bottom gates open to perform abrasive blasting without identifying and evaluating the hazards of the space.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the hazards of hopper cars with bottom gates open are identified and evaluated before employees enter.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3): 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:      The employer's confined space program does not ensure that the means, procedures and practices necessary for safe permit entry operations are implemented.  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars with bottom gates open for blasting operations without implementing appropriate entry procedures.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the means, procedures and practices necessary are developed and implemented for entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(4)(iii): Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not provide at no cost to the employees communications equipment necessary:      The employer does not ensure that employees are provided with communication equipment.     a)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars for abrasive blasting without providing communication equipment.     b)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering tank cars for abrasive blasting operations without providing communication equipment.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are provided with communication equipment.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(6): Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not provide at least one attendant outside the permit space into which entry was authorized for the duration of entry operations:      The employer does not ensure that there is at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of the entry operations.     a)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars for blasting operations without providing an attendant.     b)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering tank cars for blasting operations without providing an attendant.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that there is at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of the entry operations.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5500.00 · Current $5500.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9):  Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces:      The employer does not ensure that procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services for rescuing entrants from permit spaces is developed and implemented.     a)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars for blasting operations without developing procedures for summoning rescue and ensuring the availability of rescue and emergency services.     b)  This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering tank cars for blasting operations without developing procedures for summoning rescue and ensuring the availability of rescue and emergency services.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services for rescuing entrants from permit spaces is developed and implemented.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(h)(1): The employer did not ensure that all authorized entrants knew the hazards that could be faced during entry, including information on the mode, sign or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure:      The employer does not ensure that the entrants know the hazards that could be faced during entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open. This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering hopper cars for blasting operations without knowing the hazards that they could be faced when entering the hopper cars.         Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the entrants know the hazards that could be faced during entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $7000.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(j)(1): The employer did not ensure that each entry supervisor knew the hazards that could be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure:      The employer does not ensure that the entry supervisor knows the hazards that could be faced during entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open. This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, in the interior blast building where the entry supervisor was not aware of the inhalation and fire hazards of abrasive blasting operations for hopper rail cars with bottom gates open.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that the entry supervisor knows the hazards that could be faced during entry into hopper cars with bottom gates open.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $5500.00 · Current $5500.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(i): The employer shall evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner:       The employer does not ensure that a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner is evaluated.   This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering permit required spaces such as, but not limited to, hopper and tank cars for blasting operations without evaluating the Tri-County volunteer fire department's ability to respond in a timely manner.         Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner is evaluated.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-04 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(ii):  The employer shall evaluate a prospective rescue service's ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from  permit spaces identified:      The employer does not ensure that a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons is evaluated in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment. This violation occurred on or about August 20, 2012, at the facility where employees were exposed to inhalation, fire and struck-by hazards when entering permit required spaces such as, but not limited to, hopper and tank cars for blasting operations without evaluating the Tri-County volunteer fire department's ability to respond.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons is evaluated in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-02-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3300.00 · Current $3300.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(A):  Respirators maintained for emergency use were not certified with the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator:      The employer does not ensure that respirators maintained for emergency use are certified.     a)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (SCH229715-E11C) maintained for emergency use was not certified with the date of inspection, the name of the person who made the inspection, the findings or the identifying means of the respirator.  The Scott Air Pack was empty.       b)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (DOT-E10945-4500) maintained for emergency use was not certified with the date of inspection, the name of the person who made the inspection, the findings or the identifying means of the respirator.      c)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (DOT-E10915-4500) maintained for emergency use was not certified with the date of inspection, the name of the person who made the inspection, the findings or the identifying means of the respirator.  The Scott Air Pack was not fully charged.       Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that respirators maintained for emergency use are certified.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-02-25 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1100.00 · Current $1100.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(B): Certification information on a tag or label was not attached to the storage compartment for the respirator and kept with the respirator or included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files:      The employer does not ensure that certification information on a tag or label is attached to the storage compartment of the respirator.      a)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (SCH229715-E11C) maintained for emergency use was not equipped with a tag documenting monthly certifications.       b)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (DOT-E10945-4500) maintained for emergency use was not equipped with a tag documenting monthly certifications.      c)  This violation occurred on or about November 7, 2012, in the repair shop where a Scott Air Pack (DOT-E10915-4500) maintained for emergency use was not equipped with a tag documenting monthly certifications.        Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that certification information on a tag or label is attached to the storage compartment of the respirator.

Issued

2013-02-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1100.00 · Current $1100.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(i)(5)(iv): The tag containing the most recent change to the sorbent beds was not kept or maintained at the compressor:    The employer does not ensure that a tag containing the most recent change to the sorbent beds are kept or maintained at the compressor.  This violation occurred on or about September 26, 2012, in the interior blast building where the sorbent bed filter changes were not maintained at the compressor for employees that use a Quincy QSI 1250 air compressor to supply air during blasting operations.      Pursuant to 29 C.F. R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that a tag containing the most recent change to the sorbent beds are kept or maintained at the compressor.