OSHA Inspection: PETVET CARE CENTERS, LLC

Issued

Feb 25, 2026

Penalty

Initial $10,050 · Current $10,050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:    VetLab Station:  On or about August 26, 2026, contact with the eyes and skin with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde was not prevented. This occurred while pouring a Formalin 10% solution from one-gallon containers. Employees were transferring the liquid halfway into 4-mil glass jars as part of their responsibilities when preserving biopsied animal tissue. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as goggles and face shields was not ensured, despite the risk of chemical burns or serious eye damage resulting from formaldehyde exposure to the eyes and face. Employees were exposed to splash hazards from corrosive liquids while handling these solutions. This included a Category 1 germicidal cleaning agent named Kennesol and a reagent named Formalin 10%, which contains 100% formaldehyde. Both can cause severe eye damage and skin burns.

Issued

Feb 25, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 1290

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:   VetLab Station, Surgical Rooms, and ER Station:  On or about August 26, 2026, when there was a possibility that an employee's eyes might be exposed to solutions containing 0.1 percent or greater formaldehyde and 1-5% ammonium chloride, the employer failed to provide appropriate eyewash facilities for emergency use within the immediate work area. This occurred while employees performed tasks that exposed them to splash hazard risks, including pouring and transferring a 100% formaldehyde containing solution (Formalin 10%) and an ammonium chloride solution (Kennelsol Disinfectant) from one-gallon containers into secondary containers. Both products are classified under health categories as injurious corrosive materials capable of causing serious eye damage or irritation (Category 1).

Issued

Feb 25, 2026

Penalty

Initial $8,038 · Current $8,038

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(f)(6)(ii): Except as provided in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(7) and 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(8), the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, would provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical  Emergency Department Treatment Areas, the VetLab Station, and Utility closets:  On or around August 26, 2026, employees utilized containers of hazardous chemical mixtures that lacked appropriate labeling. These labels were required to convey information regarding the physical and health hazards associated with the chemicals, using words, pictures, symbols, or a combination thereof. Inadequately labeled containers were used by the employees while providing veterinary care and performing sanitization tasks at their workstations. The hazardous products included, but were not limited to, Isopropanol and Kennesol, classified respectively as an eye irritant (Category 2) and causing serious eye damage/irritation (Category 1).

Issued

Feb 25, 2026

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(1): Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:    Facility-wide:  On or about August 26, 2026, employees who were required to handle and utilize hazardous chemical substances, as well as their various mixtures, during veterinary care and sanitization processes were not provided with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard, which the employees had not been previously trained on, was introduced into their work area. Employees, such as Vet Technicians, Vet Assistants, and Housekeeping staff, were often exposed to hazardous chemical mixtures including 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (a Category 2 carcinogen), Kennesol (a Category 1 eye damage/irritation agent), and Isopropanol (a Category 2 eye irritation agent).