OSHA Inspection: THE STROH BREWERY COMPANY

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Feb 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $1,550 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 the hazards of toxic gases, electrical steam and of an
oxygen deficient atmosphere during entry and work in confined spaces:
a)  A confined space entry program was not implemented for
protection of employees in the maintenance and packaging
departments at Stroh Brewery Company Lehigh Valley Plant
during entry into pasteurizers for the purpose of cleaning
and repair activities, on or about September 19, 1992.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
includes the implementation and enforcement of a confined space entry
program which allows entry into confined spaces only by "written entry
permit" issued by a responsible supervisor or other qualified person.
This program should include, at a minimum, mandatory provisions for:
1.  Instructions as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary
precautions to be taken relative to each confined space entry.
2.  Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to
pits, tanks, vessels or other confined space areas which may be
entered.
3.  Use of cleaning, purging, and ventilation procedures to eliminate
hazards associated with flammable or toxic chemicals prior to confined
space entry.
4.  Implementation of lockout and line isolation procedures, where
applicable, prior to confined space entry.
5.  Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence
of toxic air contaminants and explosive or oxygen deficient atmospheres
prior to entry.
6.  Where it has been determined that the confined space contains
a hazardous air contaminant and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of
mechanically induced ventilation in the confined space before entry
and during occupancy and/or use or respiratory protective equipment
which provides adequate protection against the hazards encountered.
7.  Use of appropriate protective clothing, where applicable.
8.  Provisions for a standby observer located immediately outside
the confined space with a means of communication with the worker
inside the confined space and means of obtaining immediate help in
an emergency.
9.  Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety line and harness and suitable
respiratory protective equipment approved by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
10.  Implementation for periodic training sessions relative to
confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.
11.  Where indicated by the nature of the potential hazards inside
the confined space, use of electrical equipment which is intrinsically
safe or approved for hazardous (classified) locations.

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Feb 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Feb 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,250 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Feb 19, 1993

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Jul 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,800 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 22, 1992

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $1,575 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,250 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8400

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 20, 1992

Hazardous substances 8400

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Apr 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $1,575 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Apr 4, 1993

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Dec 19, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Jan 10, 1993

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Feb 19, 1993

Issued

Dec 2, 1992

Abate by

Jul 6, 1993