OSHA Inspection: SKW ALLOYS INC.

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Dec 7, 1988

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $480 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 the physiological effects of inhalation of air contaminants and/or
asphyxiation during entry or work in a confined space situation:
a) On or about August 6, 1988 an employee entered #9 Electrode Column
(located on the Upper Platform, Shop Building) without a safety
harness, without a respirator, and without a pre-plan for rescue or
emergency assistance.  Employee could suffer central nervous system
damage and/or death due to anoxia. Employees could also be injured
during improper rescue procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure
which includes, but is not limited, to the following items, as
stipulated by ANSI Z117.1, 1977, Sections 1,3,4,5, and 8:
1) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to pits,
tanks, vessels or other confined space areas which may be entered.
2) Use of cleaning, purging and ventilating procedures to remove sludge
and other residue prior to confined space entry.
3) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures
where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to
confined space entry.
4) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of
hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency prior to
entry into confined space.
5) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains a
hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or oxygen
deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in the confined
space before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory
protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the
hazard(s) encountered.
6) Use of appropriate protective clothing, where applicable.
7) Provisions for a stand by observer located outside the confined
space with a means of communication with the worker inside the
confined space and means of obtaining immediate help in an
emergency.

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Dec 7, 1988

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Nov 6, 1988

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $360 Reduced

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Nov 6, 1988

Penalty

Initial $490 · Current $290 Reduced

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Dec 7, 1988

Issued

Nov 3, 1988

Abate by

Nov 22, 1988