OSHA Inspection: CORIX UTILITIES, INC.

Issued

Jul 3, 2013

Abate by

Jul 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(ii): Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contated or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur:   (a) Corix Utilities, Inc. @ 155 E. Boardwalk Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525: On and before January 16th, 2013, the employer did not ensure that employees were fully protected from arc flash injuries by the use of protective shields, barriers or insulating materials during the removal and installation of an electric meter. On January 16th, 2013, an employee was inserting a new AMI electrical meter into a meter socket involving 277/480V switchgear with the load and line energized, when an arc flash/blast occurred. The employee received burns to the ears and head as a result. This condition exposed employees to burns associated with arc flash and arc blast incidents.     An acceptable abatement method would be to incorporate the use of protective shields, protective barriers or insulative materials that fully protect the employee from hazardous energy, including thermal energy.  Another feasible and acceptable method of abatement may be achieved through compliance found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, 2012 Edition, Section 10(b)(1) Head Protection, instructs individuals: "An arc-rated balaclava shall be used with an arc-rated face-shield when the back of the head is within the arc flash boundary." Table 130.7(C)(16) categorize the activities into risk groups, and describe protective clothing and personal protective equipment associated for each group. This criteria also provides that if the meter technicians are working with voltages over 240V, the PPE should satisfy an arc-rating of 8 cal/cm2 based on the Hazard/Risk Category2*. An arc-rated flash suit hood or arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava are required for Hazard/Risk Category 2 activities.                                                   OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE   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 burn injuries from arc flash/blast while removing or installing meters and exposed to energized electrical equipment over 240V.   (a) Corix Utilities, Inc. @ 155 E. Boardwalk Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525: On and before January 16th, 2013, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from thermal energy hazards created by arc flash/blast during removal and installation of an electric meter. On January 16th, 2013, an employee was inserting a new AMI electrical meter into a meter socket involving 277/480V switchgear with the load and line energized when an arc flash/blast occurred. The employee received burns to the ears and head as a result. This condition exposed employees to burns associated with arc flash and arc blast incidents.      One feasible and acceptable method of abatement may be achieved through compliance found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, 2012 Edition, Section 10(b)(1) Head Protection, instructs individuals: "An arc-rated balaclava shall be used with an arc-rated face-shield when the back of the head is within the arc flash boundary." Table 130.7(C)(16) categorize the activities into risk groups, and describe protective clothing and personal protective equipment associated for each group. This criteria also provides that if the meter technicians are working with voltages over 240V, the PPE should satisfy an arc-rating of 8 cal/cm2 based on the Hazard/Risk Category2*. An arc-rated flash suit hood or arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava are required for Hazard/Risk Category 2 activities.