OSHA Inspection: DVA CENTRAL TEXAS VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-27 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition:  (a) Building 162, HVAC registers throughout the building were visibly soiled, possibly with fungal matter such as mold, exposing employees to the hazards of inhalation of biological contaminants.   (b) Building 162, water-damaged ceiling tiles in work areas used by employees including, but not limited to the Education Department suite, Room C133, and OI&T Room IN70 were visibly soiled, possibly with fungal matter such as mold, exposing employees to the hazards of inhalation of biological contaminants.   (c) Building 162, water-damaged carpet in Education Department room E138J was visibly soiled, possibly with fungal matter such as mold, exposing employees to the hazards of inhalation of biological contaminants.  (d) Chemistry area of Clinical Lab, 1D104, Building 163, where employees were processing blood samples for the main chemistry analyzers, dust, trash and other materials were allowed to accumulate on surfaces including floors, tables, shelves and equipment, exposing employees to the hazards of bacterial contamination. Floor areas between chemical analyzers were heavily soiled where clusters of electrical cords and power taps prevented safe access to these areas for cleaning.  (e) OI&T, Building 162, where employees were engaged in IT computer work, dust and grime were allowed to accumulate on surfaces including floors, tables and equipment, exposing employees to the hazards of bacterial contamination.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): Floor(s) of workroom(s) were not maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition:   Floors of workrooms were not maintained in a clean and dry condition in several locations including, but not limited to, the following instance:   Building 202 Domiciliary Food Service kitchen area, on September 17, 2013 and at times prior thereto, where employees were steaming vegetables in the Legion Combi-Pan Skittle steamer, condensate dripping from the lid was allowed to accumulate on the floor around it, exposing employees to the hazards of slipping and falling on hard tile.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1): Aisles and passageways were not kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard:  (a) Building 162, Education Department, walkways were not maintained in good repair in that water-damaged carpet was rippled, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.  (b) Building 204, Library, walkways were not maintained in that water-damaged carpet was rippled, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.   (c) Building 162, Audiology Clinic, walkways were not maintained in that carpet was rippled and Duck Tape used to repair a carpet seam at the copier room entrance was curling, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.  (d) ) Building 202 Domiciliary Patriot Store, cords powering cash registers and associated equipment were plugged into floor outlets directly in the walkway used by Cashiers, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling on cords and plugs.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(8): Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk was not guarded:  Building 58 Boiler Plant, where employees were monitoring and servicing equipment, there was an open hole measuring 2 5/8 inches x 3 1/8 inches in the metal floor plate covering a trench (containing pipes), exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(f): Rise height and tread width were not uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs:  Building 58 Boiler Plant, where a mobile working platform had been installed as fixed stairs to the mezzanine to provide employee access to the catwalk, the stairway had a rise height of 9 5/8 inches for 12 steps then an 8-inch rise from the top step to the mezzanine, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling on the stairs.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:  Building 58 Boiler Plant, where a mobile working platform had been installed as fixed stairs to the mezzanine, the stair railing lacked a midrail and was being used by employees to access the catwalk for inspection and repairs of equipment, exposing employees to the hazards of falling as far as 10 feet to concrete.  Abatement Note: Reference 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(1):  A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches (106.7 cm) nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. The intermediate rail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2): Exit access(es) were not at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points:  Building 202, Domiciliary, Exam Room E130, aisle to door measured only 17.5 inches wide between the employee's desk and exam table, exposing employees to the hazards of fire.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-03-27 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(h)(3): Outdoor exit route(s) were not reasonably straight and did not have smooth, solid, substantially level walkways:  (a) Outside Building 162, sidewalk used by employees exiting the HR Department entrance had a hole in the concrete at least 2 inches deep and more than 1 foot wide with exposed rebar, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.   (b) Outside Building 162, a concrete curb was crumbling where the sidewalk from the east exit door met the street, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  (a) Building 162, in the exterior exit vestibule for HR Department entrance, where employees were using the exit door throughout the day, floor tile was broken, concrete foundation was chipped, and the threshold plate was uneven, exposing employees to the hazards of tripping and falling while using the exit door.  (b) Building 202, Domiciliary Recreation Area E109, a Foosball table was placed in the path to the exterior emergency exit, exposing employees to the hazards fire.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:  (a) Building 204, in EMS Supply Room 1K62, safety glasses with sideshields were provided in lieu of appropriate protective equipment for the eyes and/or face for employees who were transferring corrosive liquids including Lime-A-Way, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical splashes.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(iii): Lavatories were not provided with hand soap or similar cleansing agent:  a) Building 163, in the Morgue, BA121G, where employee(s) were performing autopsies, hand wash soap was not provided at any of the hand washing sinks, exposing employees to the hazards of bloodborne pathogens.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(v): The employer did not ensure that employees washed their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment:   (a) Building 163, Morgue, BA121G, where employee(s) were performing autopsies, employee(s) were removing contaminated gloves in the autopsy room after completion of procedures and using doors to pass through public areas, including the viewing area and ladies bathroom off the autopsy room, in order to access lavatories with hand wash soap, exposing employees to the hazards of bloodborne pathogens.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

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):  Building 163, Canteen, above the grill, identity of the employee who applied the lock to the switchbox for the fryer was worn off the tag, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:  (a) Building 204, in EMS Supply Room 1K62, facilities for quick flushing of the eyes were not provided where employees were transferring corrosive liquids including Lime-A-Way, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical splashes.  (b) Building 163, Canteen housekeeping closet, facilities for quick flushing of the eyes were not provided where employees were transferring corrosive liquids including Lime-A-Way, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical splashes.  (c) Building 202 Domiciliary Food Service, in the Dish Room, facilities for quick flushing of the eyes were not provided where employees were using corrosive liquids including Lime-A-Way, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical splashes.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1): Portable fire extinguishers were not mounted, located and identified so that they were readily accessible without subjecting the employees to injuries:  Kinesiotherapy Clinic, where employees were expected to use fire extinguishers on incipient-stage fires and to evacuate when fires advanced beyond initial stage, the only portable fire extinguisher was blocked by storage carts for oxygen cylinders, so that it was not readily visible or accessible to employees, exposing employees to the hazards of fire.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:  (a) In the Prosthetic Lab, Building 163, on September 12, 2013 and at times prior thereto, a Craftsman 12-inch drill press used by employees to drill holes in casts was not equipped with a fixed or moveable guard to protect the operator against contact with the rotating chuck and flying chips or other material.   (b) In the Prosthetic Lab, Building 163, on September 12, 2013 and at times prior thereto, a Craftsman 17-inch drill press used by employees to drill holes was not equipped with a fixed or moveable guard to protect the operator against contact with the rotating chuck and flying chips or other material.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):  In the Prosthetic Lab, Building 163, on September 12, 2013 and at times prior thereto, Consew sewing machines used by employees to stitch leather and Velcro were not equipped with needle guards to protect operators against contact with needles, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by the needle.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:  In the Key Shop, openings between work rests and grinding wheels on the Porter Cable Model PCB575BG bench grinder measured 1/2 inch on the left side and 7/16 inch on the right side, exposing employee(s) to the hazards of being struck by wheel fragments.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(ii): Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards, based on the mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided:  (a) Building 58 Boiler Plant, where employees were operating and servicing equipment, the cover on electrical Panel L had a broken latch and was ajar, exposing the electrical components to physical damage from the environment.  (b) Building 58 Boiler Plant, electrical Panel B was missing the latch and the door would not close, exposing the electrical components to physical damage from the environment. The label inside the panel door that listed what each breaker controlled had deteriorated to the point that most of the items were illegible.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(i): Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases, or housings were not effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment:  Building 202 Domiciliary Food Service Serving Line, on September 17, 2013 and at times prior thereto, the sight glass was missing from the cover on the high voltage junction box for the Gaylord Café Counter and the cover was not secured, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A): For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts (as measured from the live parts where they were exposed or from the enclosure front or opening where they were enclosed) was less than indicated in Table S-1 of Subpart S of Part 1910:  (a) In the Imaging Department, Room 1A145G, access to Square D NEHB 480Y/277 V.A.C. Panelboard labeled Panel CS with breakers powering FCU#1, FCU#2 and PCDU was blocked by a cabinet with a laboratory oven on top, exposing employees accessing live parts to a shock hazard.  (b) Clinical Laboratory Autoclave Room 1D101, Building 163, where employees were using the steam sterilizer and discarding items in biohazard bags, the Square D electrical disconnect box for the sterilizer was blocked by a blue Biomedical cart and a steel cart, exposing employees accessing live parts to a shock hazard.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  (a) In Building 204, soiled linen room, toggle switch box on laundry chute used by employees to close gates while switching out laundry carts under the chute had an open knockout, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (b) In the Canteen, Dish Room, a junction box under the steel table where the dishwasher was installed had an open knockout, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Each outlet box in completed installations did not have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy:   Outlet boxes lacked covers in several locations including, but not limited to, the following instances:  (a) Employee Health hallway, Building 162, the sump pump for the Follett ice machine used by employees was plugged into an outlet without a faceplate 8 inches above the floor where water was collecting due to a leak, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (b) Key Shop, Building 204, above the work bench, the duplex outlet receptacle used for powering the Dremel was missing the faceplate, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (c) Radiology, Control Room 1A120, Building 163, an HP laserjet printer and relocatable power tap powering a cordless telephone and wall clock were plugged into a duplex outlet receptacle without a cover, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (d) Building 202, Domiciliary Conference Room E1-108, used by employees for conferences, training classes and nursing staff reports, a duplex outlet receptacle under a work table was missing the faceplate, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:  (a) Building 162, Conference Room A110, window-mounted Samsung air conditioning unit was series-connected to a job-made extension cord that was plugged into a Tripp-Lite relocatable power tap in lieu of providing a fixed outlet, exposing employees to the hazards of fire.   (b) Building 163, GU Clinic exam room 2B110, a Medi-Watch Cup used by employee(s) during patient evaluations was plugged into a Tripp-Lite relocatable power tap under the sink in lieu of providing a fixed outlet, exposing employees to the hazards of fire and electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and/or cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:  (a) Hematology, Building 163, a heavy gauge extension cord that was used to provide power to the portable Airrex chiller was plugged into an outlet on a steel power pole at the urinalysis workbench, wrapped around the pole and run through the ceiling, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:   Conductors lacked strain relief on equipment in several locations including, but not limited to, the following instances:  (a) Nutrition & Food Service, Building 163, where employees were using a roll out Hobart Griddle, flexible cord powering the Griddle had the outer sheath pulled back from the attachment plug, exposing the conductors to physical damage, and on the griddle end of the cord, conductors were exposed where the outer sheath was split below the strain relief device, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.   (b) Outpatient Pharmacy, Building 163, where employees were using the Viscount Precisa Balance scale to weigh capsules/tablets, conductors in the flexible cord powering the scale were exposed to physical damage where the outer sheath was pulled back from the scale, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.    (c) Imaging Department Break Room 1A156, Building 163, where employees were dispensing ice from a Follett ice machine, the outer sheath on the flexible cord powering the machine was pulled back from the plug, exposing conductors to physical damage, and exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(iv): A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location was not suitable for the location:  Receptacles installed in wet or damp locations were not suitable for the location in several areas including, but not limited to, the following instances:  (a) Building 163, Canteen housekeeping closet, a duplex outlet receptacle was not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and was located 12 inches from the water faucet for the mop sink, where employees were filling buckets, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.   (b) Building 163, Canteen Dish Room, a duplex outlet receptacle located at floor level under a 3-compartment sink used by employees was powering an agitator and was not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (c) In the Outpatient Pharmacy break room, where employees were dispensing ice from a Manitowoc ice machine and placing beverages on the counter beside it, the outlet receptacle powering the ice machine was not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (d) Blood Bank, Room 1B160, Building 163, where employees were using a Jouan Model C412 refrigerated centrifuge, the centrifuge and duplex outlet receptacle powering it were located beside a hand washing sink, where condensate was draining from the centrifuge, and the outlet was not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (e) Building 163, GU Clinic Restroom 2A122A, where employee(s) were using a MediWatch cup and UroFlow Meter for urological testing, both were plugged into a wall-mounted duplex outlet receptacle beside the sink that was not protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.  (f) Building 58 Boiler Plant, a fourplex outlet receptacle used by employees for powering water softeners was installed under an open window and was visibly rusted due to environmental factors including excessive heat and moisture, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i): Engineering and work practice controls were not used to eliminate or minimize employees exposure:  Building 162, Audiology Clinic, a red biohazard container with contaminated reuseable medical equipment was removed from the waste collection area and placed on the Medical Clerk's desk for pick up beside office equipment and supplies, potentially exposing employees to the hazards of bloodborne pathogens.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:  (a) Building 163, Urgent Care, EMS Supply Room, a 32-ounce spray bottle containing Top Guard Pro polish, an eye and skin irritant, was not labeled with the contents, exposing employees to the hazards of chemical contact.  (b) Building 163, Food Service, where employees were using corrosive Mikro-Quat germicidal detergent in the garbage disposal, the manufacturer's label on the gallon jug was illegible due to water damage, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical contact.

Issued

2014-02-12 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-02-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate hazard warnings:  (a) Building 163, Urgent Care, Housekeeping Aid Closet, a 32-ounce hand pump spray bottle containing Top Guard Pro floor finish additive, an eye and skin irritant, was not labeled with the hazard warnings, exposing employees to the hazards of chemical contact.  (b) Building 204, 3rd floor Trash Collection room 3G05, a 32-ounce plastic bottle containing Dispatch bleach solution, an eye and skin irritant, was not labeled with hazard warnings, exposing employees to the hazards of chemical contact.   (c) Building 204, 2nd floor, a 32-ounce hand pump spray bottle containing Top Guard Pro floor finish additive, an eye and skin irritant, was not labeled with the hazard warning, exposing employees to the hazards of chemical contact.  (d) Building 163, Food Service, where employees were using corrosive Mikro-Quat germicidal detergent in the garbage disposal, the manufacturer's label on the gallon jug was illegible due to water damage, exposing employees to the hazards of corrosive chemical contact.    (e) Building 58 Boiler Plant, the day tank containing combustible fuel oil was not labeled with hazard warnings, exposing employees to the hazards of fire.