OSHA Inspection: WAGNER BRAKE, DIVISION OF COOPER INDUSTRIES

Issued

Jul 25, 1988

Abate by

Aug 26, 1988

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $800

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 sand collapsing, resulting in asphyxiation, in that the
employer did not provide employees involved in confined space entry
of a sand storage bin an adequate space entry procedure to protect
employees from possible sand collapsing from the sides of the wall
while performing cleaning tasks.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is
to institute a formal confined space entry program consisting of, but
not limited to, the following elements:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures and employee training.
2) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which
requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the
location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing
and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and
necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of
each worker.
3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above. Isolation/Lockout procedures
with a requirement that the confined space be completely isolated
from all systems by physical disconnection, double block and bleed,
or blanking off all lines when determined necessary in (2) above.
Electrical isolation, by locking circuit breakers and/or disconnects
in the open (OFF) position with a key-type padlock.  Mechanical
isolation, by disconnecting linkages or removing drive belts and
chains, with moving parts being blocked where there can be no
accidental rotation.  If complete isolation is not possible, specific
written safety procedures approved and enforced by employer.
4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen a minimum of 19.5%
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or
vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the confined space with
proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the
space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such
equipment must include safety harness and lifelines with provisions
for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required,
the rescuing employees must be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective
equipment.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces.  This training shall include procedures required for entry,
the hazards associated with work in confined spaces, and rescue
training procedures.