OSHA Inspection: SOUTHEASTERN REDUCTION CO.

Issued

1986-01-13 00:00:00

Abate by

1986-01-14 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $350.00 · Current $350.00

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 entering a confined space:
Employees were allowed to enter an empty bulk tanker truck and
permanent storage bins used to haul and store pecan shells without
prior testing for oxygen deficiency, without being properly
ventilated, without lifelines and harnesses being worn, without a
self-contained breathing apparatus respirator being available for
emergency use and without training covering confined space hazards.
a) A bulk truck tanker PA993 was entered for cleaning purposes at first
by one employee and during subsequent rescue attemptsby 3 other
employees on or about 10/21/85.
b) A Pecan Shell storage bin, one of five was entered on 11/14/85by
one employee for cleaning purposes.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is:  Upon vessel entering, lifelines and safety
harnesses shall be worn by anyone entering closed vessels, tanks, or
similar equipment, and a standby person shall be stationed outside in a
position to handle the line and to summon assistance in case of
emergency. The air in the vessel shall be tested for oxygen deficiency
and the presence of both toxic and explosive gases and into the closed
vessels, tanks, etc.  Self contained air or oxygen supply masks shall be
properly ventilated before entry is permitted into the closed vessels,
tanks, etc.  Self contained air or oxygen supply masks shall be readily
available in case of emergency.  Employee training identifying the
hazards of closed vessels, tanks, etc. shall be conducted before entry
permitted.