OSHA Inspection: HARBOR MARINE CORP

Issued

May 26, 1987

Abate by

Jul 13, 1987

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8880

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 hazard of oxygen deficient atmospheres by entering confined spaces
without observing adequate safe entry procedures:
a) Deck Barge #7, Dry Dock: On 5/6/87, two employees were overcome by an
oxygen deficiency when entering a confined space to perform a visual
maintenance check on barge #7. The atmosphere inside the confined
space was not tested for oxygen content prior to entry.
Abatement methods applicable in these circumstances include, but are not
limited to the following:
When an employee is required to enter a confined space, for any reason,
the following steps must be taken prior to entry:
1) A qualified person must test the atmosphere in the confined space for
oxygen deficiency. The qualified person shall determine the
protective equipment and procedures that are required to protect
employees from such hazards. (ANSI Z117.1-1977, Section 3.1 and
4.2.1)
2) If an oxygen deficient atmosphere is present, the confined space
shall be ventilated until tests indicate appropriate oxygen content.
(ANSI.1-1977, Section 3.3.1) If because of the nature of the work
entry is required without complete ventilation, the following
procedures must be complied with:
a) A self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied air respirator with
escape bottle shall be worn. (ANSI Z117.1-1977, Sections 4.2.4 and
4.2.4.1)
b) Safety harnesses and lifelines shall be used. (ANSI Z117.1-1977,
Section 4.2.4.2)
c) An authorized person, also provided with a self-contained breathing
apparatus or supplied air respirator with escape bottle and safety
harness and lifeline, shall be stationed outside the confined space,
holding the lifeline(s) and observing or maintaining communication
with the employee(s) in the confined space. (ANSI Z117.1-1977,
Section 4.2.4.3.)

Issued

May 26, 1987

Abate by

Jul 13, 1987

Penalty

Initial $810 · Current $405 Reduced