OSHA Inspection: E.E. AUSTIN & SON, INC.

Issued

Apr 17, 2015

Abate by

May 13, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,618 · Current $1,500 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:       a)      E. E. Austin & Son, Inc., 101 East 6th Street, Erie, Pa 16501: Stairwell leading to sub-floor/basement adjacent to the main entrance:  On or about March 31st, 2015, and times prior thereto, employees were potentially exposed to fire hazards from the improper use of an Industrial / Commercial Space Heater.  The Temp-Air Model THP-175 (serial #97) natural gas heater was utilized improperly in that combustible materials including but not limited to cardboard boxes, a plastic bag, and work gloves were stored directly on top of the heater.  The owners manual for the heater stated that clearance to combustibles for the top of the heater was 5 feet.       b)      E. E. Austin & Son, Inc., 101 East 6th Street, Erie, Pa 16501: Basement in West hallway corridor:  On or about March 31st, 2015, and times prior thereto, employees were potentially exposed to fire hazards from the improper use of an Industrial / Commercial Space Heater.  The Temp-Air Model THP-175 (serial #55) heater was utilized improperly in that combustible materials including but not limited to cardboard material, plywood, and a wood based door trim were stored closer than the manufactures recommendations for combustible materials.