OSHA Inspection: AMERICAN FURNITURE RENTALS, INC.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Oct 16, 2018

Penalty

Initial $9,239 · Current $4,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): Floor(s) of workroom(s) were not maintained, so far as possible, in a dry condition.  Drainage was not maintained where wet process(es) were in use:   A.  On or about July 2, 2019, Upholstery Cleaning Area: The upholstery cleaning process was done immediately in front of the 480V electrical main panel, the bottom panel of which was rusted.  Electrical equipment, including transformers and breaker panels, showed evidence of being splashed by cleaning solution.  The floor drain in the area was clogged, leaving 1/2-inch of standing water.  Employees working in the area, standing in water, were exposed to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(6): Conductors or equipment were located in damp or wet locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or other agents that had a deteriorating effect on the conductors or equipment; or where exposed to excessive temperatures and were not identified for use in the operating environment:   A.  On or about July 2, 2019, Upholstery Cleaning Area: The upholstery cleaning process was being conducted immediately in front of the 480 electrical main panel.  Electrical equipment, including transformers, showed evidence of being splashed by cleaning solution.  The base of the cabinet for the 480V electrical main was rusted.  The floor drain in the area was clogged, leaving 1/2 inch of standing water.  Employees working in the area, standing in water, were exposed to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $7,391 · Current $3,696 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(11)(ii): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers was not equipped with stair rail systems and handrails in accordance with Table D-2, Stairway Handrail Requirements:   A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Dock:  A 60-inch wide stair having five (5) risers  was not provided with a stair rail system on the open side and one handrail on the enclosed side.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,543 · Current $2,772 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.38(b): An emergency action plan was not in writing, kept in the workplace, and available to employees for review:   A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Facility-Wide:  Where the employer expected all employees to evacuate the facility in case of fire or other emergency, an emergency action plan had not been developed, reduced to writing and communicated to employees.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,543 · Current $2,772 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:  A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Facility:  The employer had not conducted a workplace hazard assessment to determine the types of personal protective equipment that should be used.  Employees worked in wet areas without protective water-resistant footwear.  Employees worked with Ultra Penetrating Stain, the safety data sheet for which directed the use of chemical-resistant glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant footwear and clothing such as gloves, and apron or whole body suit as appropriate.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not using electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed:   A.  On or about July 2, 2018,  Upholstery Cleaning Area: Where employees were working in wet locations near electrical equipment, personal protective equipment was not provided to protect the employee from electric shock hazards.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $5,543 · Current $2,772 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:  A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Battery Quick Charge Area:  The company used an Intertek 15 amp 6-receptacle relocatable power tap with surge protector to energize two Interacter 12 volt 50 amp 5- Bank Chargers and two 12 volt 2.5 amp single rapid battery chargers.  The relocatable power tap was daisy chained to another 6-receptacle relocatable power tap mounted to the wall behind the Quick Charge cabinet, against UL listing instructions.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(b)(4)(ii)(B): Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle may not supply a total cord- and plug-connected load in excess of the maximum specified in Table S-4:  A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Battery Quick Charge Area:  An Intertek 15 amp 6-receptable relocatable power tap with surge protector, Model MP6HDJ was subject to being overloaded, as it provided power to two 11 amp Interacter 5-bank battery chargers and two 2.5 amp single rapid battery chargers.  Table S-4 shows that a receptacle with a 15 amp rating has a maximum load of 12 amps. The outlet ampacity rating was exceeded.  Employees were exposed to burns and electric shocks from overloaded equipment.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5): The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous, and effective:  A.  On or about July 20, 2018:  In the following locations, electrical equipment was not properly grounded, exposing employees to electric shock hazards:  1.  At the door to the Bedding Warehouse, a 31-inch diameter Maxx Aire High Velocity metal-encased orange floor fan did not have a grounding pin. Voltage was detected in the metal enclosure of the fan.  2.  In the Office Kitchen Area, voltage was detected in the metal parts of the large white refrigerator, Number 1012419.  3.  In the Office Kitchen Area, a 46-inch diameter Autumaire metal-encased black floor fan did not have a grounding pin.  Voltage was detected in the metal enclosure of the fan.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws:   A.  On or about July 2, 2018, in the following instances, flexible cords had been pulled from their fittings, exposing the energized wiring and exposing employees to electric shock hazards:  1.  The 220V cord for the Hyster forklift battery charging unit near the entry to the Bedding Warehouse.  2.  The cord for the 120V Dayton dock light at the Loading Dock.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(vii): A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it was to be attended while in use (for example, portable tools) did not have an enclosure that was weatherproof when the attachment plug cap was removed:   A.  On or about July 2, 2018, Upholstery Cleaning Area:  An unused upper receptacle in a 2-receptacle wall-mounted outlet box under electrical breaker boxes was not covered during upholstery cleaning operations.  Water spray from upholstery cleaning could enter the energized outlet, exposing employees standing in wet areas to electric shock hazards.

Issued

Oct 10, 2018

Abate by

Nov 28, 2018

Penalty

Initial $7,391 · Current $3,696 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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 July 2, 2018, Facility:  The employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program which included information on labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training to inform employees of the hazards of the chemicals to which they were exposed, including flammable paints and stains.