Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 in that employees were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide which may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, rapid breathing, unconsciousness and death: a)On 2/2/01, an employee performing maintenance work was exposed to carbon monoxide levels of 342.7 ppm for 420 minutes. The 8-hr time-weighted-average (TWA) exposure for this employee was 299.8 ppm. which is in excess of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 35 ppm, and the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 25 ppm. b)On 2/2/01, an employee driving a forklift was exposed to carbon monoxide levels of 725.6 ppm for 210 minutes. The 8-hr TWA exposure for this employee was 317.5 ppm, which is in excess of the NIOSH REL of 35 ppm and the ACGIH TLV of 25 ppm. c)On 2/2/01, an employee performing maintenance work was exposed to carbon monoxide levels of 284 ppm for 390 minutes. The 8-hr TWA exposure for this employee was 230.7 ppm, which is in excess of the NIOSH REL of 35 ppm and the ACGIH TLV of 25 ppm. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazardous condition would be to increase the level of ventilation in areas where forklifts are used and to install carbon monoxide alarms in these areas. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").