OSHA Inspection: EASTERN BREWING CORP.

Issued

Jun 6, 1986

Abate by

Jul 6, 1986

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $175 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
confined space hazards of oxygen deficiency and exposure to vapors given
off while drying brine using an acetylene torch inside a tank.  On
1/20/86, an employee entered Tank #4, at the Y-Cellar, to check the tank
and to dry the brine at the bottom of the tank in order to perform
repair work.  Entry was made without checking for oxygen content.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish procedures which include the
following:
a) Establishment of an entry permit system in which a qualified person
signs and issues the permit. The permit is an authorization and
approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to
be done, and certifies that all existing hazards have been evaluated
by a qualified person, and necessary protective measures have been
taken to insure the safety of each worker.
b) Insuring position steps are taken to prevent accidental introduction
of raw materials or CO2 from brewing operation into the tank during
inside work by blanking, disconnecting or closing and locking out
valves feeding the tank.
c) Requiring that emergency rescue equipment be available in the
immediate area of confined space so that rescue can be performed
almost immediately if needed. An appropriate harness or other
effective device should be worn by person(s) in the confined space
to facilitate rescue.
d) Requiring that someone be readily available in the immediate area of
the confined space who is currently trained in emergency rescue,
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid procedures.
e) Requiring only individuals who are physically fit for the job, to
enter confined spaces.
f) Establishment of training program which includes: emergency entry and
exit procedures, use of applicable respirators, first aid, lockout
procedures, safety equipment use, rescue and training drills, permit
system and applicable good work practices.
Reference:
NIOSH criteria For A Recommended Standard - Working in Confined
Spaces
American National Standards Institute - Safety Requirements for
Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces Z117.1-1977.
American Society for Testing and Materials - Standard Practices for
Confined Area Entry ASTM D4276-84.

Issued

Jun 6, 1986

Abate by

Jun 13, 1986

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $175 Reduced

Issued

Jun 6, 1986

Abate by

Jun 20, 1986

Issued

Jun 6, 1986

Abate by

Jul 6, 1986

Issued

Jun 6, 1986

Abate by

Jun 13, 1986