OSHA Inspection: VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, BEDFORD HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4) - Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:  Location - Maintenance Bay, Building No. 32  On or about 02/20/24, a workbench-mounted abrasive grinding wheel had the work rest adjusted in excess of 1/8 inch.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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:  Location - HVAC service area, Building No. 61  On or about 02/20/24, an oxygen cylinder was stored in close proximity to an acetylene (fuel gas) cylinder.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Nov 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.8(a) - The Agency head did not furnish employment and a place of employment to each employee that were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees are exposed to fire, projectile and explosion hazards from inadequate oxygen storage:  a) Location - Bulk Oxygen Storage, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to fire, projectile and explosion hazards from medical grade oxygen that was stored in a way, and in a room, that did not meet the requirements of the applicable consensus standard.  b) Location - Maintenance Bay, Building No. 32  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to struck-by and crush hazards while working with an automotive lift that had not had a periodic/complete inspection within the past year.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 15, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3) - The employer did not ensure that walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice:  Location - Basement Utility Room, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to slip and fall hazards from water accumulation on a floor without drainage.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1679719, citation number (1), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/25/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 10 Casia Street, San Juan, PR, 00921.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Nov 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(c) - The employer did not provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces:  a) Location - exterior staircase, Building No. 7  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to slip, trip and fall hazards from a damaged, loose step in the middle of a staircase.  b) Location - exterior staircase, Building No. 8  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to fall hazards while accessing a working surface utilizing a damaged hand rail.  c) Location - exterior access ramp, Building No. 8  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed  to fall hazards while accessing a working surface utilizing an access ramp constructed of sagging wood beams.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of an equivalent occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1679719, citation number (1), item number (2) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/25/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 10 Casia Street, San Juan, PR, 00921.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Nov 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i) - Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:  Location - Carpentry Shop, Building No. 6  On or about 02/20/24, procedures had not been developed, documented, and utilized to control the source of potentially hazardous energy for a stationary belt sander undergoing maintenance.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1650385, citation number (1), item number (1a) and was affirmed as a final order on 05/23/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 1601 East Fourth Plain Boulevard, Building 4, Vancouver, WA, 98661.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D) - Lockout devices and tagout devices did not indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s):  a) Location - Basement Mechanical Room, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a power disconnect by an unidentified employee in violation of the standard.  b) Location - Dental Hazardous Waste Storage Closet, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to copper piping by an unidentified employee in violation of the standard.  c) Location - Equipment Storage Bays, Building No. 20  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a power disconnect by an unidentified employee in violation of the standard.  d) Location - Equipment Storage Area, Building No. 8  On or about 02/20/24, lockout / tagout devices were applied to laundry machine power disconnects by an unidentified employee in violation of the standard.  e) Location - Room B04, Building No. 7  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a power disconnect by an unidentified employee in violation of the standard.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1629783, citation number (1), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 05/04/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 500 North Highway 89, Prescott, AZ, 86313.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3) - Portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check:  Location - 2nd Floor Lab Space, Building 70  On or about 02/20/24, a fire extinguisher was found to have an out of date annual inspection tag by four years.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1716623, citation number (2), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 02/01/2024, with respect to a workplace located at 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA, 95655.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9) - The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:  Location - Maintenance Bay, Building No. 32  On or about 02/20/24, a workbench-mounted abrasive grinding wheel had the tongue guard adjusted in excess of 1/4 inch.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1716623, citation number (2), item number (2) and was affirmed as a final order on 02/01/2024, with respect to a workplace located at 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA, 95655.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i) - The employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):  Location - Throughout Facility  On or about 02/20/24, employees had not been trained, evaluated, and/or certified to operate the powered industrial trucks (PIT) used onsite by the employer as required.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1634384, citation number (1), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 05/30/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 4801 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64128.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Nov 29, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1) - Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:  Location - storage closet adjacent to plow truck storage bay, Building No. 20  On or about 02/20/24, the employer exposed employees to an electrical hazard, with a wash sink installed directly adjacent to an energized electrical breaker box.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1548296, citation number (1), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 11/08/2021, with respect to a workplace located at 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40206.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1) - Sufficient access and working space was not provided and maintained about all electric equipment (operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground) to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment:  a) Location - storage closet adjacent to plow truck storage bay, Building No. 20  On or about 02/20/24, an energized electrical breaker box was obstructed by stored materials including a shop vacuum, mop bucket and various cleaning supplies.  b) Location - main laundry area, Building No. 19  On or about 02/20/24, an energized electrical breaker box was obstructed by a trash can.  c) Location - main laundry area, Building No. 19  On or about 02/20/24,  a set of disconnecting switches were obstructed by a series of laundry bins.  d) Location - main laundry area, Building No. 19  On or about 02/20/24,  a set of disconnecting switches were obstructed by a series of laundry machines (1, 2, 3 and 4).  e) Location - lab space, Building No. 70  On or about 02/20/24,  a disconnecting switch was obstructed by a desk with computer and F Helios Machine.  f) Location - paint storage area, Building No. 8  On or about 02/20/24, an energized electrical breaker box was obstructed by stored materials including a drum, and a cart filled with various cleaning supplies.  g) Location - HVAC service area, Building No. 61  On or about 02/20/24, a set of an energized electrical breaker boxes were obstructed by stored materials including a bucket of cleaning supplies, and two carts containing tools and repair parts.  h) Location - carpentry shop, Building No. 6  On or about 02/20/24, an energized electrical breaker box was obstructed by a service cart.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1681100, citation number (1), item number (2) and was affirmed as a final order on 10/06/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA, 94121.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1714610, citation number (1), item number (1) and was affirmed as a final order on 01/17/2024, with respect to a workplace located at 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1716623, citation number (2), item number (4) and was affirmed as a final order on 02/01/2024, with respect to a workplace located at 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA, 95655.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Sep 13, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii) - Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:  Location - Carpentry Shop, Building No. 6  On or about 02/20/24, employees were exposed to electrical hazards from and unused opening in an outlet box.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1572778, citation number (1), item number (4) and was affirmed as a final order on 06/07/2022, with respect to a workplace located at 3725 Rivers Avenue, Suite 2, North Charleston, SC 29405.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A) - Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:  a) Location - basement mechanical room, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, an extension cord was plugged in and set up for use in place of permanent wiring.  b) Location - hallway adjacent to electronic equipment room, Building No. 62  On or about 02/20/24, and extension cord used to power a morgue bed, was used in place of permanent wiring.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1654003, citation number (1), item number (1)(a) and was affirmed as a final order on 04/06/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 10455 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA, 92121.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1687933, citation number (1), item number (2) and was affirmed as a final order on 09/20/2023, with respect to a workplace located at 2119 W Lincoln Ave, Yakima, WA, 98902.  The Veterans Health Administration was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1716623, citation number (2), item number (5) and was affirmed as a final order on 02/01/2024, with respect to a workplace located at 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA, 95655.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.38(c)(3) - The  emergency action plan did not include the procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate:  Location - Throughout Facility  On or about 02/20/24, the Emergency Action Plan did not include procedures for employees performing critical plant operations to follow in the event of an emergency.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Nov 19, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.39(c)(1) - A fire prevention plan did not include, a list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard:  Location - Throughout Facility  On or about 02/20/24, the employer did not have a Fire Prevention Plan that identified potential fire areas, risks, and controls.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Dec 18, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii) - Lockout devices and tagout devices were utilized for other purposes than controlling energy:  a) Location - 1st Floor Hallway, Building No. 4  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  b) Location - 2nd Floor Hallway, Building No. 2  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  c) Location - 1st Floor Hallway, Building No. 70  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  d) Location - Basement Hallway, Building 61  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  e) Location - Police Headquarters Hallway, Building 61  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  f) Location - 1st Floor Hallway, Building No. 7  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.  g) Location - 1st Floor Hallway, Building No. 5  On or about 02/20/24, a lockout / tagout device was applied to a drinking fountain to restrict its use in violation of the standard.

Issued

Aug 19, 2024

Abate by

Oct 4, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(8)(i) - Electric equipment was not firmly secured to the surface on which it was mounted:  Location - Room B05-B03, Building 8  On or about 02/20/24, a junction box was not securely mounted as required.