OSHA Inspection: BREESE GRAIN SUPPLY, INC.

Issued

Jun 17, 1987

Abate by

Jun 22, 1987

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

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:
...the hazard of asphyxiation or illness.
The employer did not provide employees involved in bin entry of
fertilizer and grain bins an adequate bin entry procedure to protect
them from possible oxygen deficient atmospheres and from being buried
while cleaning bins or unclogging bridges in the material.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct
this hazard is to institute a formal bin entry program. A minimally
acceptable bin entry procedure consists of 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 bin 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) Mechanical ventilation of the bin prior to entry and continued
ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere when determined necessary as
described in (2) above.
4) Testing the atmosphere of the bin prior to entry and on a regular
basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of
hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors when
determined necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the bin with proper equipment
to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space as determined
necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include
safety harness and lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees
from the confined space. If entry is required for rescue the rescuing
employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the bins. This
training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the
hazards the observer and employee entering the bin.
7) Communications (visual, voice or signal line) shall be maintained
between the observer and employee entering the bin.
DISCLAIMERS:
1) You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above.
2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in
all cases.
3) The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
appropriate abatement method.

Issued

May 12, 1987

Abate by

May 14, 1987

Issued

May 12, 1987

Abate by

May 14, 1987