OSHA Inspection: G. A. P. INCORPORATED

Issued

Dec 16, 1986

Abate by

Dec 20, 1986

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $360

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 harm to employees in that employees were permitted
to descend into a sump, a space of limited size and accessibility, for
maintenance purposes without making provisions to protect the employees
from recognized hazards such as toxic, explosive or oxygen deficient
atmospheres.
a) Number 3 bottom ash over overflow sump, employee entered an access
opening 19 inches x 15 1/2 inches to clean ash and dirt fromthe sump
6 ft. 6 inches x 8 ft. 5 inches x 7 ft. inches deep.
Feasible and useful methods to correct this hazard among other methods
are:
1) Test the atmosphere for toxicity, flammability and oxygen deficiency
prior to entry.
2) Test and calibrate the monitor used for testing.
3) Ventillate confined space.
4) Monitor atmosphere continuously while employees is in sump.
5) Provide lifelines and harnesses when necessary.
6) Provide self contained breathing apparatus for standby personnel
7) Provide training for employees and supervisors on health and safety
hazards associated with space work.
8) Use of a permit system which includes authorization by a qualified
person prior to entry of the confined space.
9) Posting of an appropriate warning label at the area, e.g. "DANGER -
CONFINED SPACE - ENTRY BY PERMIT ONLY".
10) Establish a written standard operating procedure governing the
selection and use of respirators.

Issued

Dec 16, 1986

Abate by

Jan 5, 1987