OSHA Inspection: BROIN ENTERPRISES

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $126 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:
a) Employees operating anaerobic fermentation processes enter
vessels #3, #4 and #5 and a slurry vessel to perform manual cleaning
tasks of cooling coils, exposing them to a potential oxygen-deficient
atmosphere.
Feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct the hazard are to
develop written confined space entry procedures regarding personnel
training, competent person(s) designation, entry permit system,
mechanical ventilation, atmospheric testing, safety equipment
requirement and emergency/rescue procedures.
1) A qualified person shall test the inner atmosphere for oxygen
content readings.
2) If unsafe, tank is to be ventilated until the hazardous atmosphere
is removed and testing indicates a safe level of oxygen of at least
19.5% prior to entry. Appropriate tags shall be posted to assure no
one enters until the system is purged and safe.
3) Instruments shall be calibrated at regular intervals and shall
undergo periodic maintenance checks. Records of calibration and
checks. Records of calibration and checks are to be kept.
After the atmosphere is determined safe, a confined space work permit
shall be authorized before entry under the following requirements:
1) Safety harness, lifeline and retrival equipment shall be utilized
while working within confined spaces.
2) Employee(s) entering shall carry along an emergency escape respirator
and be trained in its use.
3) At least one employee, trained to effect emergency rescue, shall
observe and maintain communication with employees in the confined
space.
4) Emergency rescue equipment shall be immediately available.
5) Condust frequent or continous monitoring of the atmosphere (top,
middle and bottom) while employees are working in the confined space.
If at any time during work oxygen levels fall below 19.5%, employees
shall be evacuated and ventilation resumed to reestablish safe entry.
6) All employees involved shall be trained in confined space entry
procedures, stand-by and rescue procedures, the use of personal
protection equipment and the recognition of associated hazards.

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $120 · Current $84 Reduced

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 4, 1990

Issued

May 24, 1990

Abate by

Jun 4, 1990