OSHA Inspection: GENERAL MOTORS CORP., HARRISON RADIATOR DIV.

Issued

Oct 31, 1991

Abate by

Dec 3, 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)  The hazards associated with confined space entry such as, but not
limited to; lack of oxygen, airborne contaminants, the lack of appropriate
rescue procedures, the lack of constant air monitoring while in the confine d
space and the lack of constant contact with stand by personnel located
outside of the confined space.  (1)  Employees working in department # 115
in the mers pits were not provided information and training on the hazards
associated with confined space.  (2)  Employees did not maintain constant
visual or radio contact with a standby person.  (3) Monitoring for oxygen
deficiencies and air contaminants before every entry into the confined spac e
and ongoing monitoring while in the confined space was not conducted.  (4)
The stand-by person was not equipped with a self contained breathing
apparatus and rescue equipment that would ensure the safe rescue of
employees in the confined space.
Among other feasible abatement methods of the hazards, one feasible method
to abate these deficiencies, includes but is not limited to: a)  institutin g
requirements that, prior to entry into the confined space, employees must b e
trained on the hazards associated with the confined space, b) having method s
and equipment available that will ensure monitoring for oxygen deficiency
and air contaminants before each entry and continuously while employees are
occupying the confined space, c)  standby personnel providing that are
equipped with at least a self contained breathing apparatus, and equipped
with methods and equipment that will ensure a safe rescue of employees in
the confined space.

Issued

Oct 31, 1991

Abate by

Nov 13, 1991