OSHA Inspection: UNITED STATES COAST GUARD EXCHANGE

Issued

Jan 17, 2014

Abate by

Jan 24, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.8(a):  The Agency head did not furnish employment and a place of employment to each employee that were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that the employees were exposed to excessive heat:   (a) Francis S. Gabreski Airport, Coast Guard Exchange (CGX), Westhampton Beach, Trailer  On or about July 19, 2013, employees of the Coast Guard Exchange were exposed to the hazard of excessive ambient heat during the performance of their duties, which included stocking and selling of merchandise. Sampling results indicated Indoor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (IN WBGT) readings of 94.2� F (34.6� C) in the work area. Additionally, direct readings of 107.0� F (41.7�C) were documented from the additional sources of heat generating equipment in the work area, which included six (6) refrigerated coolers. Such exposures may lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, heat fatigue, heat syncope, or heat stroke.      The employer failed to provide water, which was readily available and close to the work area. Bottled water was located in the trailer, however the employees were not allowed to drink it unless they purchased it. The closest source of water was located approximately 500 feet away in the NY ANG 106th Rescue Wings Vehicle Maintenance Building. In order to obtain a drink of water, the employees would have to wait until there were no customers, secure the trailer, and walk 500 feet across the asphalt parking lot, with no shade.     The employer failed to implement an adequate work/rest regimen. A rest area with cooler air was not readily accessible. The employee rest area was located approximately 500 feet away in the NY ANG 106th Rescue Wings Vehicle Maintenance Building. On certain days, the employees work in the trailer alone and therefore cannot leave to take breaks in a cooler area. There is no shade around the trailer. During a routine 8-hour day employees have a 1-hour lunch break.     The employer failed to implement adequate engineering controls. There was no general ventilation in the trailer. The air-conditioning unit in the trailer was inoperable. The portable air-conditioning unit had insufficient power to cool the trailer. Besides three floor fans, there were no other air cooling units installed. There were no forms of shielding around heat producing equipment, which included the compressors of six (6) refrigeration coolers.     The employer failed to implement an effective training program. The employees have not had any training on the hazards of exposure to excess levels of heat.   Note: In addition to abatement certification, the employer is required to submit abatement documentation for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19.