OSHA Inspection: ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS, INC.

Issued

Feb 24, 1988

Abate by

Apr 29, 1988

Penalty

Initial $200 · Current $200

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 : The
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employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazard that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
a) The hazard of being overexposed to hydrogen sulfide gas during
maintenance and repair operations.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish a written standard operating
procedure for maintenance and repair work which would include the
following basic essential elements:
1) Coordination between operations and the work team to ensure
identification of any and all situations where isolation (closing
of valves, blanking and bleeding) of lines, vessels, etc., is
appropriate.
2) Establishment and adherence to a strict work permit system.
Permits would be signed off by operations and the work team leader
prior to commencing work.
3) Strict enforcement of procedures to be followed in the event of a
hydrogen sulfide alarm, including:
a) Evacuation procedures.
b) Identification and operation of ventilation systems.
c) Re-entry procedures.
d) Use of respiratory protection.
4) Thorough and effective training in the requirements of the written
procedure for all affected employees.