OSHA Inspection: OCTAGON PROCESS, INC.

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Nov 9, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $200 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 acute hazards of lung damage, pneumonia, unconciousness and death
due to the possible inhalation of chlorine gas and possible inhalation
of sulfuric dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide gas. This was due to
improper storage of incompatible chemicals:
a) Building 4, Floor 1, Calcium Hypochlorite Filling Area: Various acids
including sulfuric acid, muriatic acid and nitric acid were being
stored along a 4' x 2' hole in a wall. Directly on the other side of
the hole was the Calcium Hypochlorite Re-Packaging Area which had
calcium hypochlorite on the floor. This situation led to a potential
for chemicals to mix thereby possibly creating a chlorine gas release
on or about 7/31/90.
Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to physically separate the acid storage area
from the calcium hypochlorite re-packaging area by filling in the large
hole in the wall. This would separate the drums from the calcium
hypochlorite so that if any acid spills, it will not mix with the
calium hypochlorite.
b) Building 5, Floor 3: A drum of ammonium thiosulfate and a drum of
hydroyacetic acid were being stored on the same pallet thereby
creating a potential for mixing and the formation and release of
sulfur dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide gas on or about 8/2/90.
Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to physically separate the drum of hydroyacetic
acid from the drum of ammonium thiosulfate by placing each drum on a
separate pallet and then moving the pallets a sufficient distance apart
to prevent mixing in case of an accidental rupture, spill or leak of
the drums.

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Penalty

Initial $490 · Current $200 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 entering
confined spaces were exposed to the hazards of inhalation of toxic
substances, to asphyxiation, and/or fire/explosion. Employee could
suffer: respiratory system damage, blood forming system damage, central
nervous system damage and peripheral nervous system damage from
inhalation of chemical vapors; death due to oxygen deficiency and
severe burns should a fire/explosion result among other hazards within
the uncontrolled confined spaces. Employees could also be injured during
improper rescue procedures:
a) Building 5, Floor 2, Tank #511: An employee entered a 20,000 gallon
mixing tank which previously had contained, among other products, an
ethylene glycol based product on or about 6/25-29/90.
b) Building 5, Floor 2, Tank #510: An employee entered a 20,000 gallong
storage tank which previously had contained, among other products,
Hatcol 1280 (MIL-L-7808J) on or about 7/11/90.
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:
1) Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved
and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space
entry.
2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks
or other confined space areas which may be entered.
3) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures
where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to
tank/confined space entry.
4) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of
hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen deficiency and
flammable/explosive atmosphere prior to entry to tank/confined space
and as needed prior to re-entry.
5) Where it has been determined that confined space contains a
hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen
deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in the confine
space/tank before entry and during occupancy and/or use of
respiratory protective equipment which provides adequate protection
against the hazards encountered.
6) Provisions and procedures for standby observer located outside the
confined space and readily available emergency standby equipment
consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a self-
contained breathing apparatus certified by NIOSH.
7) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined
space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $280

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Nov 9, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $280

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 8, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 8, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 10, 1990

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $210 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Dec 24, 1990

Penalty

Initial $490 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $215 Reduced

Issued

Nov 6, 1990

Abate by

Jan 10, 1991