OSHA Inspection: US POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

May 7, 2018

Abate by

Jun 26, 2018

Penalty

Initial $10,163 · Current $5,081 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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were exposed to falling loads when using a battery lifting beam to lift and move batteries weighing between 282-1905 pounds during equipment battery changes.    On or about January 9, 2018, in the battery room, the employer did not ensure that a below-the-hook lifting device used to lift and move batteries for equipment such as powered industrial trucks, pallet jacks and tugs was legibly marked with the rated load, identification markings or product safety labels. Employees were exposed to crushing hazards when moving batteries weighing up to 1,905 pounds.     Among other methods, a feasible method to correct this hazard is to apply legible markings on the lifting device indicating the rated load, identification markings and product safety labels complying with ASME B30.20-2013 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices, Section 20-1.2.1; (a) Rated Load, (b) Identification, and (d) Product Safety Labels.

Issued

May 7, 2018

Penalty

Initial $406 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 141015912310

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8):   The employer did not ensure that Safety Data Sheets were readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they were in their work area(s)    On or about December 19, 2017, in the battery room, the employer did not ensure safety data sheets were readily accessible to employees for chemicals such as sulfuric acid, lead and hydrogen gas which are contained in or are byproducts of EnerSys lead-acid wet batteries which are handled by employees when changing and charging powered industrial vehicle batteries. Employees were exposed to potential fire, inhalation, eye contact  and skin contact hazards that could result in severe skin irritation, serious eye damage, respiratory irritation, or burns.     The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1061435, citation number 1, item number 2b and was affirmed as a final order on June 19, 2015, with respect to a workplace located at 104 Main Street, Wasilla, AK.