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

29 CFR 1910.134(l)(1) as required by 29 CFR 1926.103: Evaluations of the workplace were not conducted to ensure the written respiratory protection program was being effectively implemented: a. Schiller Station - On or about May 30, 2017, the employer failed to conduct evaluations of the workplace to ensure that all elements of the respiratory protection program were being effectively implemented following employee complaints and concerns of mercury exposure. Employee exposure to airborne mercury during the dismantling of the mercury boilers and related equipment as measured by the employer on June 5 2017 was as high as 1.7 milligrams per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight hour period, which is 17 times the permissible exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3. Note: Exposure to mercury may result in symptoms of nervous system toxicity including, but not limited to personality changes (irritability, shyness, nervousness), tremors, changes in vision (constriction or narrowing of the visual field), deafness, muscle incoordination, loss of sensation, and difficulties with memory. Additionally, exposure to high levels of mercury vapor can damage the lining of the mouth and irritate lungs and airways, causing tightness of breath, a burning sensation in the lungs, and coughing. Other effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, eye irritation, and kidney damage.