OSHA Inspection: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Jun 11, 2021

Abate by

Jun 30, 2021

Penalty

Initial $5,851 · Current $5,851

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(f)(6)(ii):The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals:   a) Sandston USPS (5801 Technology Boul., Sandston, VA): On or about 04/28/2021 and times prior thereto, CSHO observed unlabeled containers of ERC Performance Wipes being provided to and used by USPS employees in both breakrooms. These wipes were set up for employee self-service, to disinfect their personal and work areas, in leu of the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing at the time of the inspection. The SDS for ERC Performance Wipes indicates they are a Category 4 flammable liquid and a Category 2B serious eye irritant. These buckets were available for employee self-service in order to disinfect their personal and work spaces. These buckets were not provided with labels containing specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemicals they were housing.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states employee(s) and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Jun 11, 2021

Abate by

Jun 30, 2021

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(8):The employer did not ensure that safety data sheets were readily accessible to the employees in their work area during each shift for chemicals used: Viraguard Disinfectant Cleaner , GED1800 wipes, and Performance Wipes:  a) Sandston USPS (5801 Technology Boul., Sandston, VA): On or about 04/28/2021 and times prior thereto, the employer did not have the SDS for Veridien, Viraguard Disinfectant Cleaner in the SDS binder made available for employees. This cleaner was used by custodial staff for disinfecting work surfaces. An SDS was produced to the CSHO over an hour after being requested, however the SDS was an out-of-date material safety data sheet (MSDS), revision date 2001. Viraguard Disinfectant Cleaner contains 70% isopropanol, a chemical with health and combustion hazard properties.   b) Sandston USPS (5801 Technology Boul., Sandston, VA): On or about 04/28/2021 and times prior thereto, the employer did not have the SDS for Good Earth, GED1800 wipes in the SDS binder made available for employees. These wipes were available throughout the facility for sanitation self-service. An SDS was produced to the CSHO over an hour after being requested.   c) Sandston USPS (5801 Technology Boul., Sandston, VA): On or about 04/28/2021 and times prior thereto, the employer did not have the SDS for ERC, Performance Wipes (disinfecting wipes) in the SDS binder made available for employees. These wipes were made available in the cafeteria and two break rooms for sanitation self-service. An SDS was produced to the CSHO over an hour after being requested.  ERC Performance Wipes are a Category 4 flammable liquid and a Category 2B serious eye irritant.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states employee(s) and their representatives were informed of this abatement.