OSHA Inspection: TOMSON STEEL COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 16, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 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)   Employees, entering the open pit located below slitter #4
to perform cleaning, were exposed to the hazards of entering
a confined space which could have contained hazardous
airborne contaminants or lacked sufficient oxygen.  The
employer had not developed appropriate confined space entry
procedures including items such as, but not limited to,
the following:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
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)   Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid
and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazar d
during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise ac-
tivated.
3)   Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and
on a regular basis during occupancy  for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases
(maximum 10% LEL) or dusts.  When toxic substances are present for
which no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee
shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of ai r
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment.
4)   Establish a tag-out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry
should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry.  Marking is to
remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5)   Mechanical ventilation of the 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 of the confined
space with proper equipment to provide forthe rescue   of persons
entering the 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.

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 5, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 31, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 16, 1992

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 9, 1992

Issued

Feb 25, 1992

Abate by

Mar 9, 1992