OSHA Inspection: MERRICK'S, INC.

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $365 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment an 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 exposed to potential respiratory hazards such as
oxygen deficiency while cleaning the insides of product holding
tanks throughout the plant.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards is to establish and enforce and adequate plant
confined space entry procedure such as that stipulated ANSI Z117.1-1977,
American National Standard for Working in Tanks and Other Confined
Spaces. Essential elements of this confined space entry procedure
would include.
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, isolation, 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) Isolation of confined space to preclude the energy of hazardous
materials and/or activation of energy sources (e.g. electrical,
mechanical, hydraulic, etc.). Methods which can be used to prevent
the entry of hazardous materials into the confined space include:
removing pipe sections, blanking pipeline or closing and locking
open a drain valve leading to the atmosphere between the two closed
valves (double block & bleed). Methods which can be used to prevent
activation of energy sources affecting the confined space include:
Locking out electrical lines space switches to equipment controlling
moving hazards, dissipating stored energy in capacitors, air, steam,
water and other pressure lines and blocking or repositioning springs,
elevated machine members and rotating flying wheels to prevent the
release of stored energy.
4) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on
a regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% or above
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic, flammable or combustible
gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above.
6) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and stationed outside the confined space with proper
equipment to provide for rescue of person(s) entering the space. Such
equipment must include safety harness(es) and lifelines(s) with
provision for hoisting employees from the confined space. If enry is
required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) must be equipped with
approved supplied air respiratory equipment with escape provision
or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) plus other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
7) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry, the hazards associated with work in confined spaces as well
as emergency response.

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $180 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

Aug 23, 1990

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $230 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $350 · Current $230 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 4, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $180 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $275 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Issued

Apr 27, 1990

Abate by

May 4, 1990