OSHA Inspection: PENNSYLVANIA METALLURGICAL, INC.

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250

Hazardous substances 1410164016602587

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 inhalation and fire or explosion hazards from exposure
to hazardous substances (hydrogen, methane, methanol, welding fume
and refractory brick dust) during entry and work in confined spaces:
a)  A confined space entry program was not implemented for
protection of employees at the Pennsylvania Metallurgical
Incorporated site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania during entry
into metal heat-treating furnaces such as the Internal
Quench for the purpose of cleaning, welding and other repair
activities, on or about April 20, 1992.
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    a
during occupancy and/or use of 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    t
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    f
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

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 15, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,000

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Aug 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,250

Hazardous substances 8111

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 27, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,250

Hazardous substances 8111

Issued

Jul 10, 1992

Abate by

Jul 15, 1992

Hazardous substances 8111