OSHA Inspection: CUSTOM METALCRAFT, INC.

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 30, 1988

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $800

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) The employer did not provide employees involved in confined space
entry of the tote tanks and ink tanks in the welding department, with
an adequate confined space entry procedure to protect employees from
possible over exposure to welding fumes and gases and oxygen
deficient atmospheres while performing welding during such operations
employees were or could potentially be exposed to the hazards of
asphyxiation due to low concentrations of oxygen inside the tanks,
and illness including but not limited to metal fume fever.
b) The employer did not provide employees involved in confined space
entry procedure to protect employees from possible overexposure to
respirable dust while performing grinding inside tote tanks.  During
such operations employees were or could potentially be exposed to
illness including but not limited to siderosis.
c) The employer did not provide the employees involved in confined
space entry to tote tanks an adequate confined space entry procedure
to protect employees from possible over exposure to toluene and
oxygen deficient atmospheres while wiping down the inside of tanks
with toluene.  During such operations employees were or could
potentially be exposed to the hazards of asphyxiation due to low
concentrations of oxygen inside the tanks, illness including but
not limited to liver and kidney damage, asphyxiation and death from
toluene exposures, and fire or explosions due to the potential
presence of explosive mixtures of gases or vapors.
Abatement methods:
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to institute a formal confined space entry
program.  A minimally acceptable confined space entry procedure consists
of the following elements:
1) A written confined space entry program shall be established and
followed. The program shall contain the following elements:
a) A confined space entry work permit system.
b) Specifications for confined space ventilation.
c) Criteria for atmospheric testing.
d) Criteria for rescue procedures.
e) Provisions for employee training related to confined space entry
operations, procedures and equipment.
f) Specifications for lock-out/tag-out procedures.
g) Provisions for draining, disconnecting, blanking or capping
associated equipment of the space to be entered.
h) Criteria for the selection and use of personal protective equipment
(respirators, gloves, eye protection, etc.).
2) Confined space entry permits shall be completed prior to entry into
a confined space which contains the following types of information:
a) Location of the job and specific confined space indentification.
b) Description of the job.
c) Names of employes entering the confined space.
d) Entry date and time.
e) Isolation procedure checklist (lockout, etc.).
f) Hazardous work checklist (welding, open flame, etc.)
g) Potential hazards (toxic materials, oxygen deficiency, etc.).
h) Fire safety precautions (fire extinguisher, approved electrical
equipment, nonsparking tools, etc.)
i) Personal safety checklist (respirators, clothing, lifeline, etc.).
j) Atmospheric testing information (test method, contaminant, etc.).
k) Authorizing agent signature, date, time.
l) Expiration date and time of permit.
3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space shall be used prior
entry and during occupancy, as required, to assure a safe atmosphere.
4) The atmosphere shall be tested prior to entry into the confined space
and on a regular basis during occupancy for the presence of
sufficient oxygen (19.5%), the absence of hazardous concentrations of
combustible gases, (maximum of 25% of the lower explosive limits) and
the absence of concentrated air contaminants in excess of the maximum
use concentrations of the maximum use concentrations of the
respiratory protection being used.  Measurements shall be made with
instruments calibrated daily according to the manufacturer
instructions. Instrument operators shall be trained in the proper
use and care of the equipment.
5) Emergency rescue procedures shall be established with a requirements
that the stand-by person is stationed outside of the confined space
with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of theperson
entering the space.  Such equipment shall include a safety harness
and lifelines,  with provisions for hoisting the affected employee
from the confined space.  If entry is required for rescue, the
rescue person shall be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective
equipment.  Rescue personnel shall be trained in the proper use of
the equipment and be thoroughly familiar with the rescue procedures.
6) Employees who are required to work in confined spaces shall be
trained in all aspects of the confined space entry program and in the
potential hazards associated with such work.
Disclaimers
The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested above.
The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases.  The employer is responsible for selecting and carring out an
appropriate abatement method.

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $500

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Oct 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Oct 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Oct 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Sep 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Oct 16, 1988

Issued

Aug 17, 1988

Abate by

Oct 16, 1988