OSHA Inspection: MONTANA POWER COMPANY

Issued

Feb 8, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 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:
a) The hazard of working in a NIOSH type "C" confined space while
removing clinkers from the scrubber vessels on or about October 11,
1990 and at times prior thereto.  Safe confined space entry procedure
were not followed.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to:
Implement and enforce a confined space entry program which includes as
a minimum, the following:
-Entry into a confined space space shall be by written permit only.
(NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined Spaces", December
1979; Section 3, page 6)
-Every confined space entry shall be contingent upon atmospheric testing
results. (NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined Spaces",
December 1979; Section 6, page 9)
-Training of personnel shall cover the safety requirements for the
entire operation.  (NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined
Space" December 1979;  Section 5, page 8)
-Labeling and posting of warning signs, in English plus additional
language if needed, shall be at each entrance. (NIOSH Criteria Document
"Working in Confined Spaces", December 1979:  Section 7, page 10)
-Communications/observation shall be maintain with each person working
inside a confined space at all times. (NIOSH Criteria Document,
"Working in Confined Space", December 1979;  Section 2, pages 4, 5, &
6)
-Rescue procedures shall be reviewed and evaluated to ensure they are
adequate for specific conditions of the confined space. (NIOSH Criteria
Document, "Working in Confined Spaces", December 1979; Section 2, page
6)
-Work practices shall be reviewed prior to entering a confined space.
(NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined Spaces". December 1979;
Section 2, page 13)
-Safety belts shall be worn by all persons inside a confined space.
(NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined Spaces", December 1979;
Section 8, page 12)
-An initial confined space entry plan shall address, in detail, each of
these items as they pertain to the specific confined space entry.
(NIOSH Criteria Document, "Working in Confined Spaces", December 1979;
Table, page 5)
-A qualified person shall be available to determine any additional
requirements as changes in work conditions warrant.
Note:  If overexposures to air contaminants exist the classification of
the confined space entry shall be upgraded to NIOSH Type "B" or "A" as
appropriate.  Consult "Working in Confined Spaces", NIOSH December 1979
(copy attached) for details and guidance.

Issued

Feb 8, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

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 hazard of falling approximately 40 feet inside scrubber vessel
3-7 while removing clinkers, on or about October 11, 1990 and at
times prior thereto.  Available means to limit the fall distance
were not used.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to limit the
fall distance and minimize the hazard is to:
-Ensure that the plumb bob is in the down position whenever employees
are required to work inside the vessel and
-Develop, implement, and enforce a written program specifying the type
of fall protection to be used for specific jobs and locations.

Issued

Feb 8, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

Issued

Feb 8, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced