OSHA Inspection: U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Feb 5, 2020

Penalty

Initial $8,483 · Current $8,483

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(iv): Valve protection caps, where cylinders were designed to accept caps, were not always in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders were in use or connected for use:  (a) On or about 8/13/2019 - 4500 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, Battery Room, employees were exposed to fire and explosion hazards because the employer did not provide protective caps for an acetylene compressed gas cylinder.

Issued

Feb 5, 2020

Abate by

Aug 17, 2020

Penalty

Initial $2,121 · Current $2,121

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:  (a) On or about 8/13/2019 - 4500 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, Battery Room, employees exposed to chemicals such as, but not limited to, battery acid were not provided an eyewash in the immediate area. The nearest eyewash station was over 10 seconds away in a closet in the southeast corner of the building, and was blocked by material such as, but not limited to, plastic boxes.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1058518 citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on 06/30/2015, with respect to a workplace located at 6701 Winton Blount BLVD, Montgomery, AL 36119.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1061435, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 06/19/15, with respect to a workplace located at 104 Main Street, Wasilla, AK 99654.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1060761, citation number 2, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 06/12/15, with respect to a workplace located at 1601 W. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99517.

Issued

Feb 5, 2020

Abate by

Aug 17, 2020

Penalty

Initial $63,613 · Current $29,156 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(a): Where mechanical handling equipment was used, sufficient safe clearances were not allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways or wherever turns or passage had to be made:  (a) On or about 8/13/2019 - 4500 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, Battery Room, employees were exposed to struck-by hazards because the employer did not ensure aisles and passageways were kept clear of obstructions and material such as batteries, pallet trucks, metal bins, and aerosol cans.     The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.176(a), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1097343, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 11/25/16, with respect to a workplace located at 7451 Tempelhof Drive Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46204.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.176(a), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1102214, citation number 2, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on 05/16/16, with respect to a workplace located at 5801 Technology Blvd., Sandston, VA 23150.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.176(a), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1105178, citation number 1, item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 02/04/16, with respect to a workplace located at 1501 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Issued

Feb 5, 2020

Abate by

Aug 17, 2020

Penalty

Initial $63,613 · Current $29,156 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii): Oxygen cylinders in storage were not separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one half hour:  (a) On or about 8/13/2019 - 4500 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, Battery Room, employees were exposed to, fire, explosion, and burn hazards because oxygen and acetylene cylinders were stored together.  The U.S. Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.253(b)(4)(iii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1283530, citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on 12/10/18, with respect to a workplace located at 1050 Forbell Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11256.