OSHA Top 10 Citations for Dealerships and Service Centers in FY 2011

By Eric Schmitz

Between October first 2010, and September thirtieth 2011, OSHA issued 2,061 citations for the auto service industry. Inspections and enforcement are on the rise. These are citations as they occurred by state:

Most frequently cited violations for automotive Dealers and Service Centers

10. Spray finishing using flammable liquids (especially if you have a collision center)

• Keep on top of the new 6H rule from EPA.
• Watch for airflow, and ensure proper airflow in the workplace. Make sure air filters are changed out as necessary.
• Ensure that all flammable liquids are kept away from ignition sources, anything from electric heater to electrical outlets near the floor.
• Paint room burms need (between the paint room and any other area) needs to be exactly four inches high.

9. Medical Services and First Aid

• Have emergency services available within 3 - 4 minutes.
• Provide first aid equipment (ten items in ANSI standard) available in most first aid kits.
• Most dealerships are better off if they don’t require employees to be trained on first aid
• Most dealerships don’t need a bloodborne pathogens program.       
  • Take this test to find out if you need one:

http://www.kpaonline.com/ehs/osha/bloodborne-pathogens.html

8. Exit Routs and Emergency Action Plans

• Often more expensive violations because they are usually cited as serious violations.
• Emergency Action Plans must be written and available on premise.

7. Powered Industrial Trucks

• Training must be on schedule and records available onsite.
  • Operator training
  • Classroom training
• Inspections: Conducted before each use.
• Usage: We recommend certifying employee operators and issuing numbered keys only to those employees.
• Missing equipment- don’t forget the seatbelt for ride-on forklifts

6. Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Available about every 20 to thirty feet, depending on your location and regulatory agencies in your jurisdiction. Make sure access is clear of obstructions.
• Make sure all mounted fire extinguishers are located in their mounts at all time.
• Signage should be prominent and in close proximity to the fire extinguisher
• Monthly inspections recorded on tag attached to fire extinguisher: look for green charge, and available
• Annual Certifications
• 6 year hydrostatic test on fire extinguishers (contract out with fire department)

5. Electrical Safety Requirements

• Anything that could be an ignition source or shock hazard for employees
• Openings: watch for cracked insulators and missing cover plates
• All cords need to have ground plugs and need to be in good condition, free of frays
• Circuit breaker panels need to have all openings covered. Make sure all breakers are properly labeled
• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring.
• Make sure that old style incandescent bulb drop lights have been replace by LED lights or fluorescent style that are less likely to break or ignite if they fall.

4. General Duty Clause

• Anything that seems unsafe for employees. The workplace needs to be free of recognizable hazards. Common issues: covers missing off fans, space heaters, housekeeping issues.

3. Abrasive Wheel Machinery (Parts Grinder)

• Check condition of wheel: must be damage free.
• Tool rest must be in place and within 1/8 inch of grinding wheel
• Tongue guard must be in place and positioned within ¼ inch of grinding wheel.
• Make sure that all decommissioned grinders are removed from premise.
• Grinder must be securely mounted. Pedestal grinders must be mounted to the ground.
• Safety shield should be turned 180 degrees and located infront of the wheel.
• All pieces of the grinder that were installed by the manufacturer must be present and in working condition.
• Personal protective equipment must be worn while operating the grinder

2. Respiratory Protection

• Written respiratory protection program that is a document specific to your facility and available on premise.
• If an employee is allowed to wear a respirator, they must go through the process or file an Appendix C.
• If employees are required to wear a respirator, they must have a medical evaluation.
• Make sure all employees are trained to use the respirator
• Conduct fit testing and keep documentation

Hazard Communication

• Written program
• Chemical inventory of every chemical in the workplace that is used above and beyond what a normal person would use, including all chemicals in the service shop. Maintain records for thirty years.
• MSDS database
• All chemical containers must be properly labeled
• Employee training up to date and on record.

Watch the free recorded webinar for additional information about the list and recommendations for leadership at the facility to address root causes of these problems.

http://vimeopro.com/kpaonline/kpa-recorded-webinars/video/31214573