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

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 dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide: (a)201 Armistice Blvd. Pawtucket,RI: Employees working inside the building were exposed to excessive concentrations of carbon monoxide generated by a diesel powered Bob-Cat loader and two Liquefied Petroleum Gas concrete saws, which were intended for outdoor use only unless provided with exhaust ventilation to the outside. Five employees were overcome and treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. The fire department tested the air quality when they first arrived and found carbon monoxide levels in excess of 500 parts per million (PPM). The NIOSH exposure limit for carbon monoxide is 200 PPM (a maximum concentration not to be exceeded for any period of time). Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are: 1. Provide local exhaust ventilation to the concrete saw in accordance with the manufacturers direction. 2. Provide adequate general exhaust ventilation in the work area and monitor levels of carbon monoxide. 3,Utilize electric concrete saws inside a building or in an enclosed or confined work area. "ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM"