OSHA Inspection: RAKHRA MUSHROOM FARM

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Mar 21, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

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
toxic vapors and flammable atmospheres in a confined space. On or around
December 1, 1989, four employees were exposed to epoxy enamel paint
vapors (xylene being the primary component) in a confined space while
painting the interior of a 20,000 gallon water tank.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to prepare and implement a comprehensive confined
space entry program to include the following:
1) Written procedures for work performed in dangerous atmospheres in
confined spaces including:
a) Procedures covering selection, use, limitations, and maintenance of
self-contained breathing apparatus or airline respirators with escape
provision;
b) Procedures covering the use of 5-minute emergency escape self-
contained breathing apparatus;
c) Procedures covering the use of oxygen concentration, toxic and
combustible gas monitors for atmosphere testing within confined
spaces;
d) A permit system for entry into confined spaces;
e) Rescue and training;
f) Procedures covering standby personnel with suitable rescue equipment;
g) Procedures covering the use of appropriate safety equipment such as
lifeline and body harnesses.
2) Training procedures for work performed in confined spaces including:
a) All personnel working in confined spaces shall be trained and
informed about any hazards (fire, explosive, asphyxiation) they may
encounter in connection with the work they are about to perform;
b) Rescue standby worker(s) shall be trained in rescue techniques,
first-aid, and resuscitation;
c) Personnel assigned to test confined space atmospheres shall be
trained in the proper use of gas detection equipment. Also, their
knowledge of testing methods and equipment use shall be periodically
tested.
3) Pre-entry procedures for confined spaces including:
a) Where applicable, the following atmosphere test shall be performed
by a competent person prior to allowing employees to enter confined
spaces:
i) Oxygen deficiency test to detect the levels of oxygen below 19.5%;
ii) Combustible gas test to detect the presence of combustible gases
and vapors;
iii) Toxic gas test to detect presence of toxic gases likely to be
encountered;
iv) Test equipment shall be calibrated pre & post entry.
b) All valves and switches connected with the operation of the confined
space shall be closed and locked to prevent accidental introduction
of contaminants on starting of equipment within the confined space;
c) Confined spaces shall be purged for as long as necessary to reduce
any contaminants to safe levels;
d) All sources of ignition shall be removed if flammable or combustible
materials are present or capable of being produced;
e) Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be provided and may
be necessary;
4) Confined space work procedures including:
a) Continuous ventilation shall be provided during occupancy when a
contaminant is being continuously generated or an approved air-
supplied breathing apparatus with escape provisions shall be
provided;
b) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be under observation of
or in communication with a competent standby rescue worker outside
the hazardous location;
c) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be provided with a rescue
harness, safety belt or wrist harness, and a proper lifeline;
d) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be provided with an
air-supplied respirator or 5-minutes, emergency-escape, self-
contained breathing apparatus;
e) Respirators, either supplied-air or self-contained, shall be
immediately available for use by the rescue worker(s). The
respirators shall be in a constant state of readiness;
f) Monitoring of the confined space during operations shall be conducted
periodically during work operations to ensure a safe working
environment.

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $100 Reduced

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Mar 21, 1990

Penalty

Initial $60 · Current $60

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Mar 20, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990