OSHA Inspection: QUALITY CARRIERS

Issued

Oct 30, 1987

Abate by

Dec 3, 1987

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not furnish employment ans 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:
Employees were required to enter a tank for the purpose of cleaning
the inside of the tank and the employer did not implement an adequate
confined tank entry program to protect those employees against the
hazards connected with tank entry. The employer shall enforce the use
of a written tank entry program for all employees required to enter a
tank.
The program shall include but is not limited to:
1) That employees obtain written authorization, signed by the
supervisor. Such authorization must indicated special precaution to
be undertaken while working in a confined space.
2) Testing of tank atmosphere for adequate oxygen content, explosibility
and presence of toxic materials. Testing is to be performed before
entry into the confined space and at intervals during occupancy of
the confined space to ensure a safe atmosphere.
3) That mechanical ventilation shall be employed before entry is made
and shall be conducted during occupancy of the confined space to
ensure a safe atmosphere.
4) That emergency rescue procedures be established with a requirements
that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the
confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of
persons entering the tank. Such equipment must include safety harness
and/or wristlets and lifeline with provisions for moving employees
from the confined space. The rescue personnel must be equipped with
approved air supply respiratory equipment, or other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
5) That the confined space entry procedure shall be written and all
affected employees shall be adequately trained in all aspects of the
procedure.