OSHA Inspection: TECNETICS, INC.

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Mar 15, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $544 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which
were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were
exposed to the hazards of oxygen deficient atmosphere from the use of
cryogenic nitrogen in the ESS/nitrogen test area:
(a) On or about 20 September 1989 and at times prior to,
employees testing electrical equipment were exposed to the
hazard of an oxygen deficient atmosphere as a result of
the venting of cryogenic nitrogen into the ambient room
air. Among other methods, some feasible methods of
abatement would include the following;
1. Installation of local exhaust ventilation to remove
the asphyxiant gas before it enters the work space
air.
2. Venting of the asphyxiant gas into a scavenging
system which is exhausted outside.
3. Use a flow control valve on the nitrogen piping
system main valve.
(b) On or about 20 September 1989, and at times prior to,
employees testing electrical equipment were exposed to the
hazard of an oxygen deficient atmosphere from improper
placement and calibration of the EnMet ISA-40-1 oxygen
concentrations present in the chamber rooms. Among other
methods, some feasible methods of abatement would include
the following;
1.Installation of a second sensor in the five chamber
room installed in such a location as to provide
accurate assessment of the oxygen concentration in
the employee breathing zone.
2. Relocation of the existing sensor as to provide
a representative assessment of the oxygen concentration
in the work space.
3. Calibration of oxygen sensors utilizing a gas of
known oxygen concentration on a regularly scheduled
basis (i.e. per Mfg recommendations).
4. Use of remote sensors along with the installed
02 sensor to provide a representative assessment of
the oxygen concentration in the employee breathing zone.
5. Portable 02 sensors.

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Feb 15, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $544 Reduced

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 16, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $340 Reduced

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 16, 1990

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $476 Reduced

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 22, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $544 Reduced

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 22, 1990

Issued

Jan 11, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990