OSHA has cited an Alabama automobile dealership for serious safety violations after three employees died and two were injured at its Jasper facility. OSHA initiated an investigation in response to a flash fire. Inspectors determined that the employees were using a flammable brake wash to scrub the service pit floor when the fire occurred. As a result, three employees were fatally injured, and a fourth was critically burned. A fifth employee was treated for smoke inhalation and released. OSHA issued one willful and two serious safety citations for failing to implement all elements of a chemical hazard communication program, improper storage of flammable liquids, and allowing unapproved electrical receptacles and equipment to be used in a hazardous area. Proposed penalties total $152,099. Here are the citations:
Citation 1 Item 1
Type of Violation: Serious; $12,675
29 CFR 1910.106(d)(5)(vi)(b): The storage of flammable liquid inside a building did not comply with Table H-14, in that flammable liquid was stored in a basement location:
(a) On or about 6/12/2017 – a Category 2 flammable liquid, was stored in a 30 gallon metal drum in a below ground vehicle service pit.
Citation 1 Item 2
Type of Violation: Serious; $12,675
29 CFR 1910.307(c): Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations were not intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location:
(a) On or about 6/12/2017 – a pedestal fan, and a Portable Evaporative Cooler, Model MC37, were not intrinsically safe for use in a Class I, Division 1 location created as a result of employees using flammable brake wash liquid to clean oil and grease from the service pit floor, thereby exposing employees to a flash fire and explosion hazard from the aforementioned ignition sources.
Citation 2 Item 1
Type of Violation: Willful; $12,6749
29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):
(a) On or about 6/12/2017 – dealership management did not implement the written Hazard Communication program (HCP), purchased from Compliance Specialists, Inc. (CSI) in October 2012, which described how program requirements such as chemical labeling, safety data sheets, and training would be met.
Letter to the employer
Re: Express Lube Service Pit Accident (Inspection 1239537)
An inspection of your workplace XXXXXXXXXXX in Jasper, Alabama on June 12, 2017, disclosed the following condition:
- Employees working in the Express Lube Pit were allowed to place rags used to wipe auto parts sprayed with Category 2 flammable liquids such as Wurth Brake & Parts Cleaner into open plastic containers while working below grade in the dealership’s service pit.
- Employees were allowed to transfer Category 2 flammable liquids such as FLYNN ACP200 Brake Wash, and WURTH Brake & Parts Cleaner (flashpoints of 15 and 10 degrees F respectively) from one container to another while working below grade in a dealership’s service pit.
Since it is not considered appropriate at this time to invoke Section 5(a)(1) (the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act), no citation will be issued for this hazard. However, in the interest of work place safety and health, we recommend that you consider taking the following steps to eliminate employee exposure to the hazard described above:
- Place rags contaminated with flammable liquid residue into approved storage containers until they can be safely disposed of.
- Do not allow employees to transfer flammable liquids from one container to another while working in pits or other below grade areas.
Your support in protecting the health and safety of your employees is necessary and appreciated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ramona Morris
Area Director
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