OSHA Inspection: HAARMANN & REIMER CORPORATION

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Oct 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 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:
a) Where employees are required to enter confined spaces to perform
various maintenance, repair, and clean-up activities were exposed to the
hazards of entering a confined space which could have contained hazard-
ous airborne contaminants such as but not limited to carbon dioxide,
ammonia, chlorine, nitrogen, and hydrogen or lacked sufficient oxygen
without adequate confined space entry procedures.
1) During the time period April through August 1991 confined space
entry procedures were not followed in that:
a. Monitoring for toxic and combustible gases and/or oxygen
deficiency was not done prior to and/or during at least five separate
entries.
b. Mechanical ventilation was not used or continued for confined
space entry.
c. Standby personnel were not always properly trained.
d. Standby rescue equipment was not available during at least two
separate entries.
e. Standby rescue personnel were not always available at the confined
space during at least one entry.
f. The confined space rescue procedures did not include a specific
procedure for summoning assistance.
g. Confined spaces were not evaluated prior to entry for special entry
requirements which may be encountered if a rescue is necessary.
Among other methods of abatement of the hazards, one feasible method to
abate these deficiencies, includes, but is not limited to the following:
1)   Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at least
one supervisor prior to confined space entry.  (confined space entry
permit).  The permit must indicate special precautions and time period
for which it is valid.
2)   Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid
and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazar d
during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise ac-
tivated.
3)   Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and
on a regular basis during occupancy  for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases
(maximum 10% LEL) or dusts.  When toxic substances are present for
which no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee
shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of ai r
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment.
4)   Establish a tag-out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry
should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry.  Marking is to
remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5)   Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6)   Written emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside of the confined
space with proper equipment to provide forthe rescue   of persons
entering the space.  Such equipment must include safety harness and
lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined
space.  If entry is required for rescue, the rescue employee must
be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
7)   The confined space entry procedures shall be written and the
responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the
procedures.

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Oct 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Oct 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Oct 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Sep 27, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Oct 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Sep 27, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Sep 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Sep 27, 1991

Issued

Sep 12, 1991

Abate by

Sep 27, 1991