OSHA Inspection: MOTZ HEATING & COOLING, LLC

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Mar 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1): Written hazard communication program. Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met, and which also includes the following:  (i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that is referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas); and,  (ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas.  a) On or about November 19, 2024, the employer had not developed, implemented, or maintained a written hazard communication program for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as but limited to propane.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Mar 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(1): Safety data sheets. Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.  a) On or about November 19, 2024, the employer did not maintain a safety data sheet in the workplace for propane. As a result, employees were not adequately trained and did not have access to crucial information on the hazards of propane while working on propane powered furnaces.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 28, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(3)(iii): Training. Employee training shall include at least: The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used.  a) On or about November 19, 2024, at a residential home (3305 Vic Joy Drive, Bethel, OH 45106), the employer failed to ensure that the employee had effective information and training on the measures necessary to protect themselves from the physical hazards of propane when servicing propane-fired HVAC equipment. The employer did not ensure that employees were trained in appropriate work practices or emergency procedures necessary to prevent exposure to or ignition of flammable gas mixtures. As a result, an HVAC technician responding to a propane leak in the basement lacked the necessary training to verify atmospheric safety before introducing a source of ignition, leading to an explosion that severely injured the employee and damaged the structure.