OSHA Inspection: SILVA SECURITY SERVICE, LLC

Issued

2024-05-16 00:00:00

Abate by

2024-06-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4610.00 · Current $4610.00

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:  On or about November 26, 2023, at the YMCA located at 1115 East US 54, Andover, Kansas, the employer did not ensure that employee(s) were protected from fire and explosion hazards when using portable propane heaters inside of a vehicle while conducting security/patrol services.  Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods of hazard abatement include the following:  a) Create policies to address safe heating methods and fire and explosion prevention, including those created by carbon monoxide accumulation which can occur from burning propane or other fossil fuel without adequate ventilation.  b) Enforce work policies addressing safe heating methods and fire and explosions hazards.  c) Ensure that propane heaters are operated on a horizontal surface at least 4.9 ft. away from any combustible materials." (Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater/Stove Instruction manual, Page 1)  d) If using a propane heater in an enclosed space, opt for a propane heater labeled as "indoor-safe" or "vent-free." They are designed to emit minimal carbon monoxide and other pollutants during combustion, making them suitable for enclosed spaces and have higher combustion efficiency.  ?	Look for an indoor heater equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts the heater off if oxygen levels fall below a safe threshold. ?	Ensure the heater use area is adequately ventilated. While indoor-safe heaters produce lower emissions, providing fresh air is still crucial for safety. ?	Install carbon monoxide detectors in the room where the heater will be used. The device will alert of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. ?	Be aware of local building codes and regulations for indoor propane heater use. ?	Always monitor a propane heater during operation and never leave it unattended. ?	Know the propane heater safety features and emergency shut-off procedures before use.  e) When selecting a space heater, choose one tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL or CSA. (CDC, National Center for Environmental Health, Winter Home Heating Hazards web page: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/pressroom/2006/cowarning.htm  f) Follow the portable heater manufacturer's instructions. The Campy Gear manual warned (page 1): ?	"Caution to use this appliance in an enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car, or home. Please keep ventilated and apply a carbon monoxide detector." ?	"Accessible parts may become very hot." ?	"This device must be operated on a horizontal surface at least 4.9 ft. away from any combustible materials."

Issued

2024-05-16 00:00:00

Abate by

2024-06-12 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $6452.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of Carbon Monoxide listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of 50 parts per million (ppm):  On or about November 26, 2023, at the YMCA located at 1115 East US 54, Andover, Kansas, an employee was exposed to Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels above the eight-hour time-weighted average (8-hour TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 parts carbon monoxide per million parts of air (50 ppm carbon monoxide). The employee was exposed to an average of 1888.8 parts carbon monoxide per million parts of air (SAE = 0.090) during an estimated time of 300 minutes of exposure. The calculated 8-hour time Weighted-Average exposure of 1180.5 parts carbon monoxide per million parts of air (SAE= 0.089) as determined by the employee's Carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) medical blood gas measurement taken following the employee's fatal exposure to carbon monoxide at the worksite. The exposure was 23.61 times the PEL for Carbon Monoxide.