OSHA Inspection: HAMMERS CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

May 3, 2019

Abate by

May 22, 2019

Penalty

Initial $9,282 · Current $9,282

Hazardous substances 0560C730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.55(a): Employee(s) were exposed to material(s) at concentrations above those specified in the Threshold Limit Values of Airborne Contaminants for 1970 of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists:    On or about December 31, 2018, as the controlling and correcting contractor Hammers Construction, Inc., did not ensure that subcontractor employees engaged in electrical installation operations were not exposed to carbon monoxide buildup which may have been produced by a gasoline fueled, 4000 watt Predator Generator Model no. 4000, Item no. 68527/68528 and/or propane heaters left running overnight. These employees became ill with symptoms of headaches, severe weakness, chest pain, nausea and shortness of breath, which are characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning. Two employees were subsequently taken to a local hospital and were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. Based on the blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels of these employees, OSHA has determined that their exposure exceeded the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) for carbon monoxide.    (a) Joshua Leitte, Foreman, Electric Service of Colorado LLC (Employee "A" (Sample S25637)) was exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) during a 360 minute occupational exposure at a mean calculated 197.1 ppm CO level (SAE = 0.318). The %COHb in the employee's blood reached a calculated peak level of 24.5%. Atmospheric pressure, height, weight, activity levels, tobacco smoking behavior, and other factors were taken into account. The 8-hour TWA exposure was 147.8 ppm CO (SAE = 0.318), which is 2.96 times the OSHA PEL of 50 ppm CO.     (b) Mario Thomas, Electrician Apprentice, Electric Service of Colorado LLC (Employee "B" (Sample S25638)) was exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) during a 420 minute occupational exposure at a mean calculated 135.6 ppm CO level (SAE = 0.152). The %COHb in the employee's blood reached a calculated peak level of 18.6%. Atmospheric pressure, height, weight, activity levels, tobacco smoking behavior, and other factors were taken into account. The 8-hour TWA exposure was 118.7 ppm CO (SAE = 0.153), which is 2.37 times the OSHA PEL of 50 ppm CO.     Abatement note: Abatement certification is required for this item (See Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).

Issued

May 3, 2019

Abate by

May 22, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 0560C730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.55(b): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not implemented to reduce employee exposure(s):    On or about December 31, 2018, as the controlling and creating contractor Hammers Construction, Inc., did not ensure that feasible administrative or engineering controls were used while subcontractor employees were engaged in electrical installation operations. Employees were exposed to carbon monoxide buildup which may have been produced by a gasoline fueled, 4000 watt Predator Generator Model no. 4000, Item no. 68527/68528 and/or propane heaters left running overnight. These employees became ill with symptoms of headaches, severe weakness, chest pain, nausea, and shortness of breath, which are characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Two employees were subsequently taken to a local hospital and were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.    (a) Joshua Leitte, Foreman, Electric Service of Colorado LLC (Employee "A" (Sample S25637)) was exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) during a 360 minute occupational exposure at a mean calculated 197.1 ppm CO level (SAE = 0.318). The %COHb in the employee's blood reached a calculated peak level of 24.5%. Atmospheric pressure, height, weight, activity levels, tobacco smoking behavior, and other factors were taken into account. The 8-hour TWA exposure was 147.8 ppm CO (SAE = 0.318), which is 2.96 times the OSHA PEL of 50 ppm CO.     (b) Mario Thomas, Electrician Apprentice, Electric Service of Colorado LLC (Employee "B" (Sample S25638)) was exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) during a 420 minute occupational exposure at a mean calculated 135.6 ppm CO level (SAE = 0.152). The %COHb in the employee's blood reached a calculated peak level of 18.6%. Atmospheric pressure, height, weight, activity levels, tobacco smoking behavior, and other factors were taken into account. The 8-hour TWA exposure was 118.7 ppm CO (SAE = 0.153), which is 2.37 times the OSHA PEL of 50 ppm CO.     Abatement note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet).