News: Victorville Fire Department - 15 OSHA citations

Victorville fire gets 15 citations

VICTORVILLE — The Victorville Fire Department is working on fixing safety and labor violations that could have endangered the lives of firefighters and cost taxpayer’s $13,010.

A investigation by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration resulted in 15 citations for the department, including not annually inspecting portable fire extinguishers since 1998.

A breathing apparatus was not properly maintained at Station 313 on Amethyst Road and carries a $5,060 proposed fine.

Other violations include breathing masks not properly fitted; hazardous materials not properly labeled; and a drinking fountain that could become contaminated with blood-borne pathogens because of how close it was to a sink used to clean equipment.

Victorville spokeswoman Yvonne Hester also confirmed that there are two fire engines that are not equipped with defibrillators because they did not meet OSHA’s requirements.

“The majority of these issues were minor in nature,” said Victorville Fire Chief John Becker. “One of the violations was due to the installation of the equipment by the vendor.”

Becker said that there is a department safety committee in place that makes recommendations and then brings them to the city safety officer.

“I am disappointed that individuals with safety concerns did not bring these issues to the committee for immediate action,” Becker added.

The city is responsible for keeping business accountable for many of the things that the fire department itself was out of compliance with.

“Obviously, if we require our businesses to abide by the regulations, the city of Victorville should be the first to comply,” said Victorville City Councilman Bob Hunter. “I was surprised that we had any OSHA violations at all, especially fire extinguishers that are out of date.”

The proposed fines for the 15 violations total $13,010, but 73 percent of the violations have already been resolved, said Hester.
Only two of the department’s stations were inspected, which means similar safety violations could be present at the other three stations.

“Because we’re aware of these ones, we’re checking everything citywide,” Hester said.

Hester said she is not aware that there is any disciplinary action pending. But Victorville Fire Chief John Becker is working on the matter and investigating how the violations occurred.

“I am not aware of any resident’s life that was compromised, or any type of treatment that was compromised because any equipment malfunctioned,” Hester said.

Full story at: Daily Press