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

29 CFR 1926.1101(f)(2)(i):The employer with a work operation covered by the asbestos standard did not ensure that a "competent person" conducted an exposure assessment immediately before or at the initiation of the operation to ascertain expected exposures during that operation or workplace. Location: Worksite On or about November 30, 2023, an employee was exposed to asbestos hazards while working to move the accountable cage that was anchored down into asbestos-containing flooring, where the employer did not ensure that a competent person conducted an exposure assessment before the work started, to be able to assess expected employee exposure during the operation. The operation disturbed intact floor tiles containing 24% chrysotile asbestos and created dust and debris by cutting embedded bolts, hammering the cut bolts into the tiles, and then drilling new floor holes. The employer has previously failed to assess employee exposures before initiation of an operation as seen below in prior violations (cited under the alternative General Industry 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(3)(i): a)The U. S. Postal Service was previously cited for a Repeat-Serious violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(3)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1640228 citation number 2 item number 2 with an inspection date of 12/15/2022 with respect to a workplace located at 1020 SE 7th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. b.)The U. S. Postal Service was previously cited for an Other-than-Serious violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(3)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1458590 citation number 2 item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on 6/15/2020 with respect to a workplace located at 20711 Holt Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044. c.) The U. S. Postal Service was previously cited for a Serious violation of this occupational safety and health standard, or its equivalent standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(3)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1278348 citation number 1 item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 7/18/2018 with respect to a workplace located at 200 South Park Avenue, Herrin, IL 62948.