OSHA Inspection: DENTAL ASSOCIATES LTD.

Issued

2014-02-19 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-03-28 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3400.00 · Current $2380.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1953

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.105: The piped systems for the in-plant transfer and distribution of nitrous oxide were not designed, installed, maintained and operated in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-8.1-1964:        a.)  "Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-8.1-1964, Section 13.7:  The ventilation of any enclosure containing nitrous oxide equipment shall be adequate to disperse any gas concentration resulting from leakage."      On 10/17/2013, the company's  nitrous oxide supply closet did not have a ventilation system to remove nitrous oxide in case of a leak.  The company's pediatric operatories were not provided with an assured air change rate and/or supplemental ventilation to remove nitrous oxide vapors from the facility.          b.)  "Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-8.1-1964, Section 13.8:  The nitrous oxide storage location shall be permanently placarded to indicate:  nitrous oxide, no smoking, no open flames, or an equivalent warning."      On 10/17/2013, the company's nitrous oxide supply closet did not have a placard or posting  indicating nitrous oxide, no smoking, no open flames, or an equivalent warning.          c.)  "Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-8.1-1964, Section 14.1  Operating  personnel shall be adequately trained and legible instructions shall be maintained at operating locations."      On 10/17/2013, all personnel associated with nitrous oxide application on-site were not trained in safe practices, acceptable  pressure readings and regular maintenance requirements for the scavenger system,  nitrous supply system and general room ventilation.  Instructions specifying this information were not posted.  No designated preventative maintenance schedule had been determined.          d.)  "Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-8.1-1964, Section 15.1 :  Each nitrous oxide system installed on consumer premises shall be periodically inspected and maintained by qualified personnel."      On 10/17/2013, the company had not implemented a regular schedule and designated personnel to perform periodic equipment monitoring.  Periodic equipment  monitoring includes testing pressure connections for leaks when the nitrous system is installed andeach time a gas cylinder is changed.  High pressure lines are connections will also be tested for leaks on a quarterly basis.            Abatement Certification and Documentation is required.

Issued

2014-02-19 00:00:00

Abate by

2014-03-05 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2550.00 · Current $1785.00 Reduced

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.)  On or before 11/12/2013, the dental lab was only equipped with a 32 ounce bottle of saline solution to use as first aid following a chemical splash or contact to the eyes of Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists in the Pediatric unit.  The 32 ounce bottle was inadequate to provide at least a 15-minute flush to one or both eyes in case of accident as described on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used.  Examples of chemicals used by these employees are:        *    Cavicide and Caviwipes, containing Isopropanol and Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether,      *    Cidex Plus containing glutaraldehyde, and      *    Isopropanol.      Abatement Certification is required.