OSHA Inspection: U.S. STEEL CORP.

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $160,000 · Current $78,375 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $28,000 · Current $16,775 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $48,000 · Current $24,475 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $52,000 · Current $28,325 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $200,000 · Current $95,700 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $444,000 · Current $215,050 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $7,150 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $52,000 · Current $28,325 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $3,300 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $88,000 · Current $34,100 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $16,000 · Current $11,000 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $128,000 · Current $24,475 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $4,000

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $128,000 · Current $60,350 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $1,000 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 are exposed to
the hazards of toxic and flammable gases and of oxygen deficient
atmosphere during entry into confined spaces:
a) Iron and Transportation Division
1) Blast Furnace #3, Auxillary Area, Stove Platform Level- gas main.
A Millwright and helper were required to enter a gas main pipe to
remove coke and debris from inside the pipe. These employees were
potentially exposed to carbon monoxide, natural gas, and oxygen
deficient atmospheres during pipe cleaning operations, observed
8/1/89.
2) Blast Furnace Department, Blast Furnace #2: Employee(s) are
required to perform periodic checks around the furnace stack.
These employee(s) were exposed to carbon monoxide at levels which
may be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) while
working in the furnace stack, observed 8/9/89,
b) Steel Producing Division
1) Open hearth Department Furnace Ladel - Employee(s) entering the
bell which was lowered into the ladel, were required to repair the
bottom pouring hole. These employees were potentially exposed to
carbon monoxide during these repair operations, observed 9/18/89.
2) Open Hearth Department Flue Number 8 - Employee(s) were required
to perform maintenance and repair operations in flue Number 8.
These employees were potentially exposed to carbon monoxide,
welding fumes and the accidental release of steam and gases during
repair operations on steam pipes, while cleaning the flues,
observed 7/26/89.
c) Utilities, Shops & Services Division
1) Potable Water Treatment Department, West End Chlorine Room North
of Manhole:  Employee(s) were required to enter a manhole to
close a valve in the potable water treatment plant.  These
employees were potentially exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas while
in the manhold, observed 8/25/89.
VIOLATION NOTE:  Employee(s) who entered these confined spaces were not
required to adhere to the USS confined space entry procedures thereby
ensuring that these employee(s) were protected upon entry and while
working in these confined spaces.  A written entry procedure has been
developed by the Fairless Works which partially addresses aspects of
safe entry.  This procedure has not, however, been effectively
implemented to address the following elements of confined space entry:
permit issuance; atmospheric testing/monitoring; confined space
preparations; medical surveillance; formal employee training; emergency
rescue safety equipment and clothing; respiratory protection; effective
communication and standby personnel and labeling and posting of work
area.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement and utilize a confined space entry
program which includes at least the following essentials:
1) Prior to employee entry into confined spaces, employees designated
to perform this task shall be provided with formalized training which
includes information on the nature of the hazards likely to be
encountered during the confined space entry, the symptoms and
consequences of contaminant overexposure and oxygen deficiency,
emergency entry and exit procedures, use of applicable respirators,
first aid, lock out procedures, safety equipment and safe rescue
training drills shall be provided at least on an annual basis to
develop and maintain the proficiency of these employees in performing
confined space entry work.  A system for documenting training should
also be established.
2) A program of atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency, flammable
gases and vapors and other hazardous atmospheric contaminants shall
be implemented and performed by qualified persons who have received
formal training using properly calibrated direct reading oxygen,
combustible gas toxic gas indicator.  This testing shall be done
adjacent to and throughout the accessible areas of the confined space
may also be necessary depending on the nature of the work performed.
3) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains
hazardous air contaminant(s) and/or and oxygen deficiency, use of
mechanically-induced ventilation is necessary both before entry and
during occupancy.  Appropriate respiratory protection against the
hazard encountered may also be required.
4) A permit system shall be implemented which provides written
authorization to enter the confined space and documents the location
and type of work to be done, evaluation of existing hazards including
atmospheric test readings, necessary protective equipment and
measures.  The permit shall be dated and carry an expiration time
(usually for one shift only).  The permit shall be posted in a
conspicuous place, close to the entrance, with a copy on file with
the employer.  The permit shall document the implementation of
necessary lockout and isolation procedures utilized to ensure safety
of employees entering the confined space.
5) Rescue procedures shall be specifically designed for each entry.
There shall be a trained standby person assigned to each entry with
a fully charged, positive pressure, self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) at hand.
Additional duties of the stand-by person are to maintain unobstructed
life lines and communications to any workers inside the space.  Under
no circumstances should the stand-by person enter the confined space
until she/he is relieved and is assured that adequate assistance is
present.  Rescue teams entering the confined space shall be equipped
with all the above mentioned safety equipment including life lines.
6) Appropriate safety equipment clothing, such as respirators, head,
hand, foot and body protection, safety belts life lines, harness and
lifting devices shall be available as appropriate, for each entry.
7) Employees who enter a confined space shall have pre-placement and
periodic physical examinations.  These examinations should place
emphasis on a general evaluation of an employee's ability to carry
out his assigned duties within a confined space.  The examination
should also include an evaluation of the employee's ability to wear
a respirator along with the employee's hearing ability.
8) Written confined space entry procedures which address entry, exit,
communication/observation procedures, emergency rescue and safe work
practices, shall be posted adjacent to pits, tanks, vessels or other
confined space which may be entered.
9) Signs shall be posted, as a means of employee information, near
permit spaces to notify employees of those hazards which may be
present and serve notice that only authorized employees may enter
the confined space.

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $1,600 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Mar 31, 1993

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Aug 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,500

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $6,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 9, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8320

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 heat stress and other heat related health problems while
working hot environment:
a) Steel Producing Division
1) Open Hearth Department - An employee performing maintenance
operations in the counterweight area for the jib cranes above
each hearth furnace on the pit side was subjected to heat exposure
in excess of the American Conference of Governmental Industrail
Hygienists (ACGIH) permissible heat exposure threshold limit
values. The Fairless Works experienced 17 cases of heat related
illnesses in 1988, 9 of which occurred in the Open Hearth
Department, observed September 15, 1989.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a heat stress prevention program
which includes, but is not limited to the following items:
1) Acclimatization of new employees and workers returning from and
absence of two weeks or more through short exposures followed by
longer periods of work in hot enviroments over a five (5) day period.
2) Utilization of Engineering controls, such as cooling fans, whenenver
feasible to reduce heat exposures.
3) Use of personal protective devices such as ice vests to reduce heat
exposures during short term exposures in severe heat environments.
4) Establishing alternating work and rest periods in cooler areas to
avoid heat stress.
5) Educating employees in the recognition of heat disorders, the nature
of hazards involved with heat exposure, and the necessary precautions
to be taken relative to prevention of heat related health problems.
6) Where it has been determined that the hot environment is in an
isolated area and visual contact with the employee is obscured,
utilization of a standby person to constantly monitor the employees
movement until he/she leaves the hot environment.

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $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
health hazards and hazards of physical injury resulting from the release
of chlorine gas into employee work areas:
a) Utilities, Shops and Services Division
1) Sanitary Waste Treatment Plant - Chlorine Station - Three (3) one
ton containers of chlorine (compressed) gas were not protected by
barriers to prevent the possibility of damage by passing vehicles,
observed August 22, 1989.
2) Potable Water Treatment Plant - Chlorine Room - Three (3) one ton
containers of chlorine (compressed) gas were not stored in an area
spearated from other reactive and combustible materials (sodium
chlorite and activated carbon),
Abatement Note:
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to correct this
hazard include:
1) Install a barrier to protect the chlorine containers from vehicular
damage (instance a (1)).
2) Eliminate the practice of storing other reactive/combustible material
in areas where chlorine containers are located (instance a(2)).

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $500

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $500

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 5, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 9, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 9, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 9, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Dec 2, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 9, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9010

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Hazardous substances 9010

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Hazardous substances 9010

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Feb 10, 1991

Hazardous substances 9130

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Hazardous substances 9130

Issued

Nov 2, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Hazardous substances 9130