Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: OTHER

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 inhalation hazards by the use of respirators in a unsanitary condition and the lack of assurance that procedures were followed as to how respirators were to be cleaned and disinfected: During the inspection, when respiratory protection was required to protect the health of employees, it was determined that employees performing the job tasks listed below had used respirators in an unsanitary condition and that the employer had not assured that procedures were followed as to how respirators were to be cleaned and disinfected to assure they are kept in a sanitary condition: a)Brooder Barn #5 - On or about 06/15/00 a sanitation crew employee performing manure clean-out of barn had worn a respirator that was not maintained in a sanitary condition. Procedures as to how the full-facepiece respirator was to be cleaned and disinfected was not provided. Visible fecal contamination was noted on the inside and outside of the respirator. b)Plant #4, Barn 42 - On or about 06/16/00 a wash crew employee performing barn washing and manure clean-out with a Bobcat loader had worn a respirator that was not maintained in a sanitary condition. Procedures as to how the half-mask respirator was to be cleaned and disinfected was not provided. Visible fecal contamination was noted on the inside and outside of the respirator. c)Plant #4, Barn 42 - On or about 06/16/00 a wash crew employee performing barn washing and manure clean-out with a Bobcat loader had worn a respirator that was not maintained in a sanitary condition. Procedures as to how the half-mask respirator was to be cleaned and disinfected was not provided. Visible fecal contamination was noted on the inside and outside of the respirator. Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to ensure that procedures are in place and followed to assure that employees are instructed as to how all respirators will be cleaned and disinfected. Maine Contract Farming, LLC was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, section 5(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 301664231, Citation Number 2, item 3, issued on 05/28/99, with respect to a workplace located in Turner, Maine.