OSHA Inspection: LOWES HOME CENTERS INC

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,300 · Current $1,815 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2):  Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling:  a.  In aisle 15, the receptacle was not listed and labeled for use outside of a wall.  The receptacle was hanging by flexible conduit from the storage rack.  Employees were exposed to a contact hazard with electrical current.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $16,500 · Current $9,075 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii): Grounding. Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100° F (37.8° C), shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floor plate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with:    a. Outside the equipment assembly, employees were transferring a category 1 flammable liquid (gasoline) into a metal 55 gallon drum from metallic equipment, such as lawn mowers and chain saws, without bonding the equipment to the container, thereby exposing employees to a fire and explosion hazard.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313016537, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on October 29, 2010, and affirmed as a final order on November 23, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 6211 North Illinois Avenue, Fairview Heights, Illinois.      Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 952360, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on January 8, 2014, and affirmed as a final order on January 10, 2014, with respect to a workplace located at 440 South Cascade Drive, Springville, New York.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $220 · Current $121 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i): An employer may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if the employer determines that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard. If the employer determines that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer shall provide the respirator users with the information contained in Appendix D to this section ("Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard"):  a.  The employer failed to provide employees, using dust mask respirators on a voluntary basis, with a copy of Appendix D.  Employees were exposed to a respiratory distress hazard.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 642958, citation number 2, item number 1, issued on October 31, 2012, and affirmed as a final order on February 8, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 10 Lowes Drive, Saratoga, New York.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $16,500 · Current $9,075 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this standard, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures:  a. In the garden department, the Wadsworth Greenhouse control had live open parts in excess of 50Vac. The employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315087171, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on July 14, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on August 5, 2011, with respect to a workplace located at 3035 South Ninth Street, Salina, Kansas.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $220 · Current $121 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed:  a.  Behind register 1 & 2, the Sensormatic 120 Volt system had an unused opening. The employees were exposed to contact with electrical current  b.  At the front entrance, the junction box had an unused opening. The employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.  c.  The junction box in the appliance clearance area had an unused opening. The employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 925324, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 28, 2013, and affirmed as a final order on January 10, 2014, with respect to a workplace located at 12100 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 574218, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 7, 2012, and affirmed as a final order on October 2, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 2200 Mcrae Street, Leesville, Louisiana.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $16,500 · Current $9,075 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:     29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A):  As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:      a.  In aisle 4, the receptacle box was energized with a flexible cord.  Employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.      b. In the appliance department, an extension cord had been taped to the rack system and was being used as a fixed receptacle. The employees were exposed to contact with electrical current.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313237687, citation number 2, item number 2, issued on September 29, 2009, and affirmed as a final order on October 22, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 1301 Boll Weevil Circle, Enterprise, Alabama.      Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 314245267, citation number 1, item number 4, issued on October 3, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on February 21, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 850 East High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.      Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 924553, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 10, 2013, and affirmed as a final order on October 8, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 121 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Use of flexible cords and cables. Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:   29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:  a.  In the receiving department office, an extension cord (flexible cord) had been hardwired into a lighting fixture, run through the ceiling and down to a receptacle, thereby exposing employees to a fire hazard.   b. In the bullpen, an extension cord had been plugged into a receptacle, run down the wall, threaded through the sheet metal wall and secured with a bushing. The employees were exposed to a contact with live electrical hazard.   Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313698367, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 2, 2009, and affirmed as a final order on September 25, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 8312 Little Road, New port Richey, Florida.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 314245549, citation number 1, item number 3, issued on October 3, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on February 21, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 310 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover, Pennsylvania.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315785733, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on November 23, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on December 22, 2011, with respect to a workplace located at 3440 Lowes Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Use of flexible cords and cables. Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:   29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D): Where attached to building surfaces:  a.  In the lumber department, flexible cord was hardwired into a knife switch to power a relay.  The flexible cord was affixed to the wall with fasteners, thereby exposing employees to contact with live electrical current and fire/explosion hazards.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313237687, citation number 2, item number 2, issued on September 29, 2009, and affirmed as a final order on October 22, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 1301 Boll Weevil Circle, Enterprise, Alabama.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 314245267, citation number 1, item number 4, issued on October 3, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on February 21, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 850 East High Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 924553, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 10, 2013, and affirmed as a final order on October 8, 2013, with respect to a workplace located at 121 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313698367, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on September 2, 2009, and affirmed as a final order on September 25, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 8312 Little Road, New port Richey, Florida.    Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 314245549, citation number 1, item number 3, issued on October 3, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on February 21, 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 310 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover, Pennsylvania.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 315785733, citation number 1, item number 1, issued on November 23, 2011, and affirmed as a final order on December 22, 2011, with respect to a workplace located at 3440 Lowes Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 3, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(1): Handling. Portable equipment shall be handled in a manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment may not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation:  a. In aisle 70, a flexible cord (surge protector) ran up and over a metal wall, subjecting the outer jacket and insulation to damage, thereby exposing employees to contact with electrical current of 120 Vac.  Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313494270, citation number 1, item number 1b, issued on June 30, 2009, and affirmed as a final order on July 9, 2009, with respect to a workplace located at 1111 Bradley Street, Festus, Missouri.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(e): Defective and damaged equipment. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used:  a.  Near the garden department, employees were using a fall protection lanyard with frayed components. The employees were exposed to a fall hazard of not greater than ten feet.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(f)(1)(iii):  How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE:    a. Employees, who wore body harnesses for fall protection did not properly don, adjust, and wear the harness so that the "D" ring would be between the shoulder blades, thereby exposing employees to injuries associated with a fall hazard.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4): The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use:  a.  In the bullpen, there was a fire extinguisher that was not fully charged. Employees were exposed to a fire hazard.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(vii)(B): Outdoor electric equipment shall be installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. No architectural appurtenance or other equipment may be located in the working space required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section:  a.  The conduit in front of the store, between two receptacle boxes, was damaged and pulled apart, exposing the internal wires. The employees were exposed to a contact with electrical current.

Issued

Jul 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(v):  A receptacle installed outdoors in a location protected from the weather or in other damp locations shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug cap not inserted and receptacle covers closed).  Note to paragraph (j)(2)(v) of this section. A receptacle is considered to be in a location protected from the weather when it is located under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, or the like and where it will not be subjected to a beating rain or water runoff:  a.  The receptacle box, near the Primo water distribution container, was not enclosed due to the cover being broken. The employees were exposed to a contact with electrical current hazard.