OSHA Inspection: RHODES TRUCKING COMPANY DBA RHODES BRICK & BLOCK

Issued

Dec 9, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $1,050

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 employer does not have a confined space procedure that
is followed when an employee is entering the Block Mixer.  The mixer
has an area of 56" high 5' wide and 7' long:
a.   Failure to test the atmosphere of the mixing tank for
oxygen deficiency and/or toxics before employee(s)
are permitted to enter the tank.  Tank size 56" high x
5' wide x 7' long with an opening of 21" x 7".
b.   Lack of supervisory controls over the work being performed
in the tank.
c.   Lacerations, amputations and/or death from the hazard
of inadvertent activation of the mixing blades while
entering the tank.
d.   Lack of training provided to employees in the hazards
associated with entering confined spaces.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct
these hazards is to establish a written confined space entry program
that will establish management controls over the work being performed
and shall contain as a minimum, but not necessarily limited to, the
following elements:
a.   Written procedures covering apermit system, ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures and employee
training.
b.   The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit
which requires authorization and approval in writing that
specifies the location and type of work to be performed and
certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been
evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective
measures have been taken to assure the safety of each worker.
c.   Mechanical ventilation when determined necessary.
d.   Testing of the atmosphere of the confined space prior to
entry and on a regular basis for the presence of sufficient
oxygen (19.5%).
e.   Lock out/tag out procedures of equipment machine or process.
f.   Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined
space with proper rescue equipment.
g.   Training of all employees required to enter the confined space.