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

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): To achieve compliance with paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, administrative or engineering controls must first be determined and implemented whenever feasible. When such controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment or any other protective measures shall be used to keep the exposure of employees to air contaminants within the limits prescribed in this section. Any equipment and/or technical measures used for this purpose must be approved for each particular use by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified person. Whenever respirators are used, their use shall comply with 1910.134. [71 FR 16673, April 3, 2006] a. On or about March 14, 2018, an employee working in a laundry/drycleaners performing various tasks such as, but not limited to, steam pressing clothes and waiting on customers, was exposed to carbon monoxide gas. The carboxyhemoglobin level of the employee during this time period was 26.0 percent. This was calculated to be an 8-hour Time Weighted Average exposure of 111.4 parts per million which was 2.2 times OSHA's permissible exposure limit of 50.0 parts per million. b. On or about March 14, 2018, an employee working in a laundry/drycleaners performing various tasks such as, but not limited to, steam pressing clothes and waiting on customers, was exposed to carbon monoxide gas. The carboxyhemoglobin level of the employee during this time period was 22.8 percent. This was calculated to be an 8-hour Time Weighted Average exposure of 137.5 parts per million which was 2.8 times OSHA's permissible exposure limit of 50.0 parts per million. General methods of control applicable in these circumstaces include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Assess the docomposition products generated by fuel burning equipment such as, but not limited to, the steam boiler. Provide adequate ventilation that will ensure that air contaminants generated from the fuel burning equipment are maintained below OSHA's permissible exposure limits. 2. Provide continuous monitoring alarms that will sound a warning before air contaminants reach dangerous levels allowing employees to safely evacuate the area. 3. Maintain and/or repair fuel burning equipment to ensure efficient combustion. 4. Use electric powered equipment that will eliminate air contaminants produced by fuel burning equipment.