OSHA Inspection: G. WILLIAMSON MAINTENANCE INC.

Issued

Mar 25, 1986

Abate by

Jun 25, 1986

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $125 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:
On February 3 and 4, 1986, several employees were required to enter
a tank truck to remove a water emulsion, black top sealer. The 6000
gallon tank truck contained approximately 15-20 gallons of the
material in a solid state. The interior of the tank was cleaned with
a water steam cleaning wand. The employer did not have and enforce a
written program of tank entry procedures for the tank truck.
A feasible and useful abatement method to correct the hazard, shall
include, but not be limited to:
1) Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at least
one supervisor, prior to confined space entry (confined space entry
permit). The permit must indicate special precautions and time period
for which it is valid.
2) Lock-out, blocking or the equivalent of all mechanical, electrical,
liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create
a hazard during entry should these systems be put in motion or
otherwise activated.
3) Test the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and on a
regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5 percent) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or
combustible gases (maximum 10% LEL). When toxic substances are
present for which no equipment to test the atmosphere are available,
the employee shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with
the use of air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
4) Establish a tag out system to mark the confined space unsafe for
entry should test indicate the space is unsafe for entry, marking
to remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5) Mechanical ventilation of confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6) Written emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined
space. Such equipment must include safety harness and lifelines with
provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry
is required for rescue, the rescue employee must be equipped with
approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
7) The confined space entry procedures shall be written and the
responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the
procedures.