OSHA Inspection: XERXES FIBERGLASS INC.

Issued

Oct 10, 1985

Abate by

Oct 13, 1985

Penalty

Initial $240

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 confined space entry into newly fabricated gas tanks when
performing alterations.  Exposures to unknown levels of styrene and
acetone exist, on or about 8/16/85.
Among othe methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this "hazard" is to establish procedures which include the
following:
a) Establishment of a written Entry Permit System Program in which a
qualified person signs and issues the Entry Permit which indicates
compliance with all procedures to eliminate potential hazards.
(Reference, NIOSH Criteria For a Recommended Standard, Working in
Confined spaces, Section 3, Permit System P.6, American National
Standards Institue, Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and
Other Confined Spaces, Z117.1-1977, Section 5.1, Page 16.
b) The written Entry Permit System Program should include provisions
assuring the following:
i) Supervision, standby personnel and mechanics are properly trained
in confined space entry hazards.
ii) A standby person is assigned to be immediately available outside of
the confined space to be ready to assist the mechanic in the event of
an emergency.
iii) Emergency procedures and location of first aid and rescue equipment
are known to the standby person.
iv) A person trained in basic first aid procedures and cardio-pulmonary
resusitation is readily available.
v) Proper respiratory equipment is worn by the mechanic.
vi) Tools and equipment are approved for use in Class 1, Division I
Hazardous locations.