OSHA Inspection: CONSOLIDATED EDISON INC.

Issued

Sep 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.269(e)(11): Ventilation and monitoring enclosed spaces before entry: the employer did not ensure that if flammable gases or vapors are detected or if an oxygen deficiency is found, forced air ventilation shall be used to maintain oxygen at a safe level and to prevent a hazardous concentration of flammable gases and vapors from accumulating:    a)  The employer did not ensure that the hazardous (gas) atmosphere was removed or eliminated from the manhole before using equipment in the manhole that was not rated for hazardous atmosphere. An extension cord drop light was placed in the manhole that was being ventilated with gas levels remaining high. The gas ingnited when the light broke as the employee was pulling the light out of the manhole.       Location: manhole at Nevins St and Pacific St, Brooklyn, N.Y.     On or about 3/5/2015    NOTE: BECAUSE ABATEMENT OF THIS VIOLATION IS ALREADY DOCUMENTED IN THE CASEFILE, THE EMPLOYER NEED NOT SUBMIT CERTIFICATION NOR DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT OF THIS ITEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Sep 3, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c)(3): Equipment was not safe for the hazardous location where it was being used; equipment was not of the type and design which the employer demonstrates will provide protection from the hazards arising from the combustibility and flammability of vapors, liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers:    a) Employees were not provided with an explosion-proof drop light for use in a manhole that contained a gas atmosphere due to a nearby underground gas leak. The gas ignited when a drop light hit against the concrete manhole wall causing the incandescent lightbulb to break. The light was not safe for use in combustible gas hazard location.     Location: Nevins St and Pacific St, Brooklyn, N.Y.  (manhole cable repair worksite)    On or about 3/5/2015    NOTE: BECAUSE ABATEMENT OF THIS VIOLATION IS ALREADY DOCUMENTED IN THE CASEFILE, THE EMPLOYER NEED NOT SUBMIT CERTIFICATION NOR DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT OF THIS ITEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.