OSHA Inspection: AAA WATERPROOFING

Issued

Mar 25, 2016

Abate by

Apr 27, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2):  The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:    (a) AAA Waterproofing, at 103 Rockledge Drive, Vail, CO 81657:  On and before December 17, 2015, the exposing employer failed to prevent employee exposure to burn hazards while applying hot tar (manufactured by Hydrotech, model MM6125) to residential foundations in the process of waterproofing.  The employer failed to follow safe work practices in that the hot tar was applied by throwing buckets of hot tar onto the foundations.  The employer failed to safely apply the hot tar using mops, brushes, or other safe application methods.  In addition, the employer did not ensure that employees were clear of the danger zone when the tar was thrown onto the foundations.  An employee was seriously burned while working near  the foundation when another employee threw a bucket of hot tar onto the foundation which splashed onto her.  Condition resulted in employee receiving severe burns.    Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement methods is to follow the manufacturer's (Hydrotech's), directions in the application of the hot tar:    VERTICAL APPLICATION - STANDARD ASSEMBLY    There are two methods commonly used to apply MM6125 to vertical surfaces such as foundation, tunnel and planter walls. The membrane should be applied at 180 mils (3/16", 4.6mm) in thickness, 125 mils (1/8", 3.2mm) minimum and verified by probing with a thickness gauge.  All surfaces to which MM6125 is to be applied must be clean and dry. All transitions must be sharply formed with no irregular surfaces or edges.      Trowel Method: Using a wood or metal hand trowel or a paddle made of masonite, or similar material, membrane is brought up the vertical surface from a trough. It is usually easiest to use an arc motion up the surface of the wall. Typically, the membrane can be brought up to shoulder height without much difficulty.      Roller Method: Using a large nap roller mop (paint rollers will not work), mounted on the end of a pole, the membrane can be rolled onto the vertical surface from a large pail, "wash tub" or trough. In order to achieve the minimum thickness required, it will typically be necessary to apply the membrane in more than 1 coat. Each coat should be applied in different directions to ensure complete coverage of the surface is attained.    For very tall walls, a scaffold should be erected from which to work. If the site does not have adequate space for the erection of scaffolding, another method commonly used is to apply the membrane and protection, insulation and or drainage materials to a certain height and then have the wall backfilled to a point just short of the applications top edge. The backfill will then provide a platform from which to continue application of the membrane up the wall. This method requires close coordination with the General Contractor.  A separation/protection layer must be installed as the membrane is being applied. SEE SECTION X.    (10) "SEPARATION/PROTECTION LAYER INSTALLATION" FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.  VERTICAL APPLICATION - FABRIC REINFORCED (FR) ASSEMBLY    The same methods described above would typically be employed to install MM6125-FR on a vertical surface. The difference of course being that a layer of Flex-Flash F or Flex-Flash F Vertical is required between coats of the membrane.  The initial coat of membrane is to be applied by trowel or roller to a minimum thickness of 90 mils (2.3mm). Once the specified thickness has been attained, immediately install the fabric reinforcing.  The fabric may be installed horizontally or vertically, although installing it horizontally typically proves to be easier. The fabric should be broomed into place to ensure 100% strike-through of the initial coat of membrane.    The top coat of membrane must be applied over the fabric THE SAME DAY. No fabric should be left exposed overnight. The top coat should be applied by trowel or roller to a minimum thickness of 125 mils (3.2mm).  Once the top coat of membrane is applied over the fabric, a separation/protection layer must be installed. SEE SECTION X. (10)

Issued

Mar 25, 2016

Abate by

Apr 27, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $5,100

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.95(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, was not provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it was necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.    (a)  AAA Waterproofing, at 103 Rockledge Road, Vail CO 81657:  On and before December 17, 2015, the exposing employer failed to ensure that employees applying hot tar and paper onto concrete foundations were provided with and used the adequate personal protective equipment, including gloves.  Condition resulted in an employee who was applying hot tar receiving burns on their hands due to the failure to use gloves.