OSHA Inspection: R & R PIPELINES, INC.

Issued

Jan 8, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Issued

Jan 8, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $2,500 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 asphyxiation and/or chemical poisoning from the hazards of
oxygen deficiency and/or dangerous accumulations of toxic substances
(such as carbon dioxide) during confined space entry:
(a)  On 7/23/91, two employees entered a utilities vault
(entrance ramp from Baseline Rd. to northbound 28th St.
Boulder, CO) while attempting to locate and identify un-
derground pipes.  The company's confined space entry program
was deficient in that:
1.  A confined space entry permit system was not in place.
2.  The employees were not trained in the hazards associated
with entering confined spaces or with the methods that they
could use a minimize these hazards.
3.  Atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency, flammable
gas, and toxic air contaminants was not conducted prior to
entering confined spaces.
4.  Mechanical ventilation was not used to purge the con-
fined space of dangerous atmospheric contaminants and to
maintain a supply of fresh air.
5.  An emergency response rescue program was not developed
or implemented.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable methods to abate these
hazards is to develope and implement a confined space entry program
which meets the criteria of Safety Requirements For Confined Spaces,
American national Standards Institute (ANSA Z117.1-1989).
The following sections of ANSI Z117.1-1989 may be referred to for
specific methods to correct the hazards.
1.  Scope. Purpose. and Application
2.  Definitions
3.  Identification and Evaluation
3.1  Confined Space Survey
3.2  Hazard Identification
3.3  Hazard Evaluation
3.4  Confined Space Classification
3.5  Hazard Re-evaluation
4.  Non-Permit Confined Space (NPCS)
4.1  Controls
4.2  Training
4.3  Re-evaluation
4.4  Atmospheric Testing
5.  Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS)
5.1  Entry Permits
5.2  Permit Implementation
5.3  Duration of Permits
5.4  Revoking Permits
5.5  Changing Work Conditions
6.  Atmoshperic Testing
6.1  Requirements
6.2  Testing Considerations
6.3  Acceptable Limits
7.  Attendant
7.1  Attendant Position
7.2  Personnel Requirements
7.3  Attendant/Occupant Communication
7.4  Duties
8.  Isolation and Lockout/Tagout
8.1  General
8.2  Isolation
8.3  Lockout/Tagout
9.  Ventilation
9.1  Requirements
10.  Cleaning/Decontamination
10.1  Extent
10.2  Method
11.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
11.1  General
11.2  Selection
12.  Safeguards
12.1  Entry and Exit
12.2  Retrieval Equipment
12.3  Fall Protection
12.4  Electrical Equipment
13.  Warning Signs and Symbols
13.1  Identification
14.  Emergency Response
14.1  Emergency Response Plan
14.2  Breathing Equipment
14.3  Rescue Equipment Inspection
15.  Training
15.1  General Requirements
15.2  Training for Atmospheric Monitoring Personnel
15.3  Training for Attendants
15.4  Training for Emergency Response Personnel
15.5  Verification of Training
16.  Medical Suitability
17.  Contractors
17.1  Hazard Warning
17.2  Identification of Rescue Responder

Issued

Jan 8, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $7,350 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Jan 8, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $300