OSHA Inspection: U.S. AQUA VAC, INC.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to drowning hazards:        a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a 10-12 foot deep pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  The employer did not ensure that a guard remained affixed to the end of the suction hose, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $4,447 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(b): Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the dive location of the telephone or call numbers of the following:    29 CFR 1910.421(b)(2): Accessible hospitals;        a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in approximately 10-12 feet deep water in order to remove pond muck by means of a suction hose.  The employer failed to maintain a list of telephone numbers for the available means of transportation in the event of an emergency at the dive location, thereby prolonging emergency rescue/aid during diving operations.         U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.421(b)(2) which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 1, item number 2B and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(b): Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the dive location of the telephone or call numbers of the following:    29 CFR 1910.421(b)(3): Available physicians;        a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in approximately 10-12 feet deep water in order to remove pond muck by means of a suction hose.  The employer failed to maintain a list of telephone numbers of physicians in the event of an emergency at the dive location, thereby prolonging emergency rescue/aid during diving operations.           U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.421(b)(3) which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 1, item number 2C and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(b): Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the dive location of the telephone or call numbers of the following:  29 CFR 1910.421(b)(4): Available means of transportation; and        a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in approximately 10-12 feet deep water in order to remove pond muck by means of a suction hose.  The employer failed to maintain a list of telephone numbers for the available means of transportation in the event of an emergency at the dive location, thereby prolonging emergency rescue/aid during diving operations.         U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.421(b)(4) which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 1, item number 2D and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(c)(1): A first aid kit appropriate for the diving operation and approved by a physician shall be available at the dive location.      a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations without a diver first aid kit available at the dive location that had been approved by a physician.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(c)(3): In addition to any other first aid supplies, an American Red Cross standard first aid handbook or equivalent, and a bag-type manual resuscitator with transparent mask and tubing shall be available at the dive location.       a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations without an American Red Cross standard first aid handbook or equivalent and a bag-type manual resuscitator with a transparent mask and tubing being available.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1): A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in the water.    a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  There was no standby diver available while the diver was in the water, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet of water.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $1,925 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2): A diver shall be line-tended from the surface, or accompanied by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during the diving operations.      a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove pond muck in approximately 10-12 feet deep water.  The divers were not line-tended nor was there a diver in the water with continuous visual contact, thereby exposing the divers to the hazards associated with SCUBA diving.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(j)(1): Except when heavy gear is worn, divers shall be equipped with a weight belt or assembly capable of quick release.    a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  During the diving operation, divers wearing neoprene dive suits wore a dive belt that was secured with duct tape.  The belt was no longer capable of a quick-release, thereby exposing the diver to a drowning hazard.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $61,600 · Current $16,973 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.420(a): General. The employer shall develop and maintain a safe practices manual which shall be made available at the dive location to each dive team member.             a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump. The employer failed to develop and maintain a safe practices manual that would have included a copy of the OSHA commercial diving standard; safety procedures and checklists; and emergency procedures for fire, equipment failure, adverse environmental conditions and medical illness and injury.  The lack thereof exposed the employees to the hazards associated with diving operations in 10 -12 feet deep water.

Issued

May 7, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $19,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.424(c)(4): A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided for each diver consisting of:    29 CFR 1910.424(c)(4)(ii): An independent reserve cylinder with a separate regulator or connected to the underwater breathing apparatus.    a. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a 10-12 foot deep pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  The employer failed to ensure that the divers were equipped with reserve air during the diving operation, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to drowning hazards:    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2104, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees performed surface-supplied diving operations using a Central Pneumatic air compressor that was not manufactured to produce Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Grade D breathable air to the divers, thereby exposing the divers to contaminated air and a drowning hazard.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(a)(2): Each equipment modification, repair, test, calibration or maintenance service shall be recorded by means of a tagging or logging system, and include the date and nature of work performed, and the name or initials of the person performing the work.    a.  On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surface-supplied air diving operations from a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic, model 68067, s/n 06047 air compressor in about 7-10 feet deep water.  The air compressor had not had any maintenance, repair, calibration, or testing that had been performed documented and certified by who performed the work, thereby exposing the divers to the possibility of contaminated air and a drowning hazard.     b. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations at about 10-12 deep water with SCUBA bottles that had been filled by a Nuvair MCH-6, model 8013, serial number 111649 HP air compressor.  The air compressor had not had any maintenance, repair, calibration, or testing that had been performed documented and certified by who performed the work, thereby exposing the divers to the possibility of contaminated air and a drowning hazard.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(b)(4): The output of air compressor systems shall be tested for air purity every 6 months by means of samples taken at the connection to the distribution system, except that non-oil lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist.    a.  On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surface-supplied air diving operations from a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic, model 68067, s/n 06047 air compressor in about 7-10 feet deep water that had not been tested for air purity every six months, thereby exposing the employees to the possibility of contaminated air and a drowning hazard.    b. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations at about 10-12 deep water with SCUBA bottles that had been filled by a Nuvair MCH-6, model 8013, serial number 111649 HP air compressor that had not been tested for air purity every six months, thereby exposing the employees to the possibility of contaminated air and a drowning hazard.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $1,482 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1): Breathing gas supply hoses shall:    29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1)(ii): Have a rated bursting pressure at least equal to 4 times the working pressure;    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2104, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surfaced-supplied diving in order to remove pond muck with a suction hose.  The employees were supplied air from a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor, model number 68067, serial number 06047 that had a 1/4 inch i.d. PVC air hose attached that was used in part to supply air to the divers.  The markings on the hose did not support a rating of bursting pressure, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1): Breathing gas supply hoses shall:    29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1)(iii): Be tested at least annually to 1.5 times their working pressure; and    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2104, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surfaced-supplied diving in order to remove pond muck with a suction hose.  The employees were supplied air from a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor, model number 68067, serial number 06047 that had a 1/4 inch i.d. PVC air hose attached that was used in part to supply air to the divers which had not been tested at least annually to 1.5 times the air hose working pressure, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(c)(3): Umbilicals shall:    29 CFR 1910.430(c)(3)(ii): Be made of kink-resistant materials; and    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2104, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surfaced-supplied diving in order to remove pond muck with a suction hose.  The employees were supplied air from a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor, model number 68067, serial number 06047 that had a 1/4 inch i.d. PVC air hose attached that was used in part to supply air to the divers which was not made of kink-resistant materials, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $1,059 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(c)(2): Breathing gas supply hose connectors shall:    29 CFR 1910.430(c)(2)(iii): Be resistant to accidental disengagement.    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2104, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surfaced-supplied diving in order to remove pond muck with a suction hose.  The employer supplied the divers a 26 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor, model number 68067, serial number 06047 that had an air hose attached to provide the divers with air.  The air hose connection was of a quick-disconnect type, which was not resistant to accidental disengagement, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $2,965 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.421(d): Planning and assessment. Planning of a diving operation shall include an assessment of the safety and health aspects of the following:  29 CFR 1910.421(d)(2): Surface and underwater conditions and hazards;    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were performing surface-supplied diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  The employer did not conduct an adequate assessment of the underwater conditions while employees working in close proximity to underwater differential pressure flow from a six inch suction hose in 0% visibility water with only two divers at the dive location.  The lack of an assessment with a standby diver exposed the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.        b. On or about November 11, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' south retention pond, employees were performing SCUBA diving operations in order to remove the muck from the bottom of a pond by means of a suction hose that was connected to a trash pump.  The employer did not conduct an adequate assessment of the underwater conditions while employees were working in close proximity to underwater differential pressure flow from a six inch suction hose in 0% visibility with only two divers at the dive location, thereby exposing the divers to a drowning hazard in 10-12 feet deep water.       U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.421(d)(2) which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $10,780 · Current $2,965 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.422(c)(1): An operational two-way voice communication system shall be used between:    29 CFR 1910.422(c)(1)(i): Each surface-supplied air or mixed-gas diver and a dive team member at the dive location or bell (when provided or required); and    a.  On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were conducting surfaced-supplied diving operations in order to remove pond muck.  The employees were using a "hookah" system, an air compressor supplying air through a hose directly to a regulator.  The "hookah" system prohibited diver-to-topside voice communication during the diving operation, thereby exposing the employees to the hazards associated with diving.    U.S. Aqua Vac, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.422(c)(1)(I), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 1, item number 4 and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Issued

Apr 8, 2015

Abate by

Jan 30, 2017

Penalty

Initial $154 · Current $42 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.430(g)(1): Gauges indicating diver depth which can be read at the dive location shall be used for all dives except SCUBA.    a. On or about October 11, 2014 through October 14, 2014, located at the Discover Financial Services' north retention pond, employees were performing surface-supplied diving operations in order to remove pond muck with suction hoses.  The employer did not provide the divers with a diver depth gauge that could be read at the dive location.     U.S. Aqua Vac was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.430(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 313893406, citation number 2, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on May 20, 2010, with respect to a workplace located at 1 Baxter Parkway, Deerfield, IL 60015.