OSHA Inspection: LAKES GAS CO.

Issued

Dec 18, 2018

Abate by

Jan 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $9,239 · Current $4,620 Reduced

Hazardous substances 032021502590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall:    29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;    29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(ii): Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and,    29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(iii): Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. Note: Non-mandatory Appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the requirement for a hazard assessment.    On and before October 9, 2018, employees were exposed to multiple hazards, including but not limited to inhalation and burns, when the employer did not complete a Hazard Assessment or provide personal protective equipment, protective clothing, or respiratory protection for workers refurbishing and refilling LP cylinders and tanks.

Issued

Dec 18, 2018

Abate by

Jan 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 03202590

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(iii): The employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant's chemical state and physical form. Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, the employer shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.  On and before October 9, 2018, employees were exposed to toxic fumes while repainting LP tanks when the employer had not evaluated the materials or work location used to determine whether respiratory hazards were present.

Issued

Dec 18, 2018

Abate by

Jan 17, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $4,620

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1): Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and safety data sheets.    On and before October 9, 2018, employees repainting LP tanks and cylinders had not been trained to understand the hazards associated with the chemicals contained in the paints and solvents and to use the appropriate work methods and PPE needed to protect themselves from the hazards.