OSHA Inspection: CARNATION COMPANY

Issued

Oct 10, 1985

Abate by

Nov 12, 1985

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $900

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 asphyxiation while working in an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere inside of the corn oil storage tank. An employee entered
the tank to clean its interior surface and subsequently died from the
lack of oxygen.
A feasible method of abatement includes but is not limited to:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which
requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the
location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing
and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and
necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of
each worker.
3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence
of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when
determined necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the confined space with
proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the
space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such
equipment must include safety harness and lifelines with provisions
for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required
for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved
air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.