OSHA Inspection: ACME STEEL

Issued

May 13, 1992

Abate by

Sep 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $3,000 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 hazards of oxygen deficiency and/or flammable and toxic atmosphere
inside a gas-fired reheat furnace.  On February 3, 1992 employees entered
the front and bottom zones of the reheat gas fired furnace (confine space)
to remove scale slag. Atmospheric testing was not done, suitable emergency
rescue equipment was not provided, nor had employees been provided training
on the proper use and limitations of monitoring equipment and the hazards
of working in confine spaces.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement the company's existing confine space
entry program in all areas, including the reheat furnace that were not
included when the program was first initiated, and provide the necessary
training for all employees that are reqiuired to enter confined spaces.