OSHA Inspection: ARRONCO COMFORT AIR, INC.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Dec 13, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(i): Adequate precautions were not taken to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors:    a) The employer did not ensure that the 55 gallon drum containing methanol (flammable) with a flashpoint of 52 degrees Fahrenheit was grounded;    b) The employer did not ensure that the 5 gallon metal container of methanol (flammable) was bonded when transferring the methanol from the 55 gallon drum using a metal or plastic hand pump.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Dec 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.152(e)(2): The transfer of flammable liquids from one container to another was done when the containers were not electrically interconnected (bonded)(a):    The employer did not ensure that the 5 gallon metal containers were bonded when transferring the undiluted methanol (flammable) into the flushcart's stainless steel tank.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Dec 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2): The employer did not initiate and maintain programs which provided for frequent and regular inspections of the job site, materials and equipment to be made by a competent person(s)    The employer did not ensure that jobsites had regular and frequent inspections by a competent person in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees received 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to the arms, face, head neck, shoulders and chest when pouring 5 gallon containers of methanol into the flush cart without elimination of ignition sources.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Dec 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:    The employer did not instruct employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees poured undiluted methanol(flammable) in a confined area without eliminating ignition sources.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Jan 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(5): Employee(s) required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials were not instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in 29 CFR 1926, subparts D:    The employer did not ensure that employees were trained on the safe handling of methanol (flammable) during the flushing process in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees added undiluted methanol (flammable) which was against manufacturers recommendation of premixed methanol in an nonflammable state.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Jan 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(iii): Employee training did not include the measures employees can take to protect themselves from chemical hazards, including specific procedures the employer had implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used: (Construction Reference: 1926.59)    The employer did not ensure that employees had received training on measures to protect themselves from burns when using undiluted methanol (flammable) such as but not limited to a written flushing procedure, elimination of ignition sources and wearing personal protective equipment to protect from burns in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees were filling the flushcart to flush the ground loops of a geothemal unit when a flash fire occurred resulting in 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to two employees.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Dec 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.95(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, were not provided:     The employer did not provide personal protective equipment to protect against burns to the head, neck, torso and arms when pouring undiluted methanol (flammable) from 5 gallon containers into a flushcart in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees received 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns when a flash fire occurred.

Issued

Nov 18, 2013

Abate by

Jan 7, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.152(f)(3): Flammable liquids were used where there were open flames or other sources of ignition within 50 feet of the operation:.     The employer did not ensure that sources of ignition within 50 feet of the operation were eliminated in that on or about September 25, 2013 employees were transferring undiluted methanol (flammable) into a flashcart when a flash fire occurred exposing employees to 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns.