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

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 carbon monoxide as a result of the improper placement and utilization of portable diesel/gas powered generators in the workplace that were in use following an electrical power loss. a.)Suffolk Post Office, Mail Sorting Area. On or about November 8, 2006, employees were exposed to carbon monoxide gas generated by the operation of two portable generators placed into operation as a result of a storm-related power outage. The portable generators were set up to provide temporary electrical power to lights on the mail sorting cases. "AMONG OTHER METHODS, SOME FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE ABATEMENT METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE: 1.Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the use of portable diesel/gas powered generators that will be used for emergency situations. The SOP should follow the instructions provided in the manufacturer's operator manual for equipment setup and use. 2.Training should be provided to personnel designated to implement emergency plans to ensure the SOP is provided to them and is understood by the employees responsible for the setup and operation of such equipment. 3.Training should also be provided to employees in the recognition of the physical and health-realted symptoms associated with the inhalation of carbon monoxide gas and what actions are to be taken in the workplace if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.