OSHA Inspection: KOPPERS INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Oct 26, 1990

Abate by

Oct 30, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $800 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) Wood Treatment Building Area, employees were exposed
to potential asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency or toxic
atmosphere when entering a confined space, e.g. performing
cleaning work in a railroad tank car that contained coal
tar products in May, 1990.
b) Employees were potentially exposed to asphyxiation due
to oxygen deficiency, toxic atmosphere and possible fire/
explosion in that they were ready to enter tank #8 (a
confined space) East of the Wood Treatment Building for
sludge removal on 9/13/90 and entry procedures/steps such
as:
1) Implementation of an entry permit system,
2) Availability of mechanical ventilation equipment to
ventilate tank with clean makeup air.
3) Availability of appropriate equipment such as non-
sparking tools, lifelines and harnesses, and
4) Availability of trained, SCBA (self-contained breathing
apparatus) equipped standby person(s), were not taken.

Issued

Oct 26, 1990

Abate by

Nov 5, 1990

Issued

Oct 26, 1990

Abate by

Nov 30, 1990