OSHA Inspection: EMULSION SYSTEMS OF ILLINOIS, INC.

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Oct 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $4,200

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 employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which
were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause
dealth or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed
to the hazard o oxygen deficiency and/or flammable and toxic atmosphere
inside tanks and vessels.  Periodic entrance (once a week) into confined
spaces such as reactor vessels, pre-emulsion tanks and monomer tanks
ranging in depth from 10'-17' is required for cleaning and maintenance
purposes.
The employer did not take the following steps to ensure employee safety:
1.  Ensure that all potentially hazardous energy sources were locked out
prior to each entry into the confined space.
2.  Perform atmospheric testing upon each entrance into the confined space.
3.  Make readily available adequate rescue equipment such as safety
harness, lifeline, SCBA, and a mechanical lifting device.
4.  Provide a tank entry permit that required atmospheric testing for
toxicity in confined spaces.
Abatement for 5(a)(1)
One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is
to establish and enforce an adequate plant confined space entry program
such as that stipulate by ANSI Z117.1, safety requirements for confined
spaces.  Such a program shall include, as a minimum, 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.  Lockout, blocking, stopping and reducing machines to zero mechanical
and thermal state of all mechanical, electrical, liquid, and gas systems
relating to the confined space that may create a hazard during entry should
these system be activiated, An individual lock shall be applied with a
tag to the lock and energizing controls.
4.  Mechanical ventilation shall be provided to the confined space prior
to entry and continued ventilation to provided a safe atmoshpere, when
determined necessary in (2) above.
5.  Testing the atmosphere shall be conducted of the confined space prior
to entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5)
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic, flammable or combustible gases
or vapors, when determined necessary in (2) above.
6.  Emergency rescue procedures shall be established and trained personnel
are available and stationed outside the confined space with proper
equipment.  Such equipment shall include safety harness and life lines
with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space.  If entry
is required for rescue, rescuing employees must be equipped with approved
air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
7.  Training of any and all employees required to enter confined spaces
shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazard associated
with working in confined spaces.

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Jun 30, 1992

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,100 Reduced

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $1,200

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $600 Reduced

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Oct 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $1,200

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $1,200

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Oct 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

Issued

Jun 24, 1992

Abate by

Oct 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500