Inspection Detail

Inspection: 104784764 - Whiteface Mountain Ski Center (Orda)

Inspection Information - Office: Nys Dol Pesh Albany

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 was working in a bay next to the welding bay, repairing an area axle bearing on a vehicle. He was not welding or cutting but the lift maintenance crew in the next bay was cutting approximately one dozen 1 ft diameter galvanized pipe sections. Fumes from the pipe cutting filled the two north bays of the maintenance garage with acid smoke, causing Employee #1 to have difficulty breathing. The overhead doors in both bays were closed until someone noticed that the employee was experiencing breathing problems. The doors were then opened and he went outside. Neither of the two employees performing the cutting experienced breathing problems. No mechanical exhaust ventilation existed in the welding bay, only a lowered ceiling vent.

Keywords: RESPIRATORY, CAUSTIC, VENTILATION, WORK RULES, INHALATION, SMOKE, TOXIC FUMES, CUTTING AND BURNING