OSHA Inspection: IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES INC

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Jun 12, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $600 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) Serious injury and/or death from the hazards of oxygen
deficiency or accumulation of toxic substances (such as propylene
glycol monomethyl ether, xylene, ethyl benzene, polyamide resin
or epoxy resin) and fire/explosion hazards from the use of an
epoxy resin base and converter while working inside of steel tanks
for the purpose of painting (coating) the inside of the tank.
These hazards resulted from deficiencies in the confined space
entry program, including the following:
(1) Failure to adopt a written entry permit system.
(2) Failure to provide atmospheric testing prior to entry and
on a regular basis.
(3) Failure to adequately instruct vessel entrants or
attendants on the hazards associated with confined space
entry, the proper procedures to utilize the equipment
needed.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct
these hazards is to establish a written confined space entry
program that will establish management controls over the work
being performed and shall contain as a minimum, but not necessarily
limited to, the following elements:
(1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
(2) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit
which requires authorization and approval in writing that
specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies
that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by
a qualified person and necessary protective measures have been
taken to assure the safety of each worker.
(3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry
and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere when
determined necessary as described in (2) above.
(4) Testing of the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry
and on a regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible
gases or vapors when determined necessary as described in (2)
above.
(5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined
space with proper equipment to provide rescue of persons entering
the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above.  Such
equipment must include safety harnesses and lifelines with pro-
visions for hoisting employees from the confined space.  If the
entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) must be
equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or other
equivalent respiratory protection plus other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
(6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the
confined space.  This training shall include the procedures
required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in
confined spaces.  This would include the wearing of a body harness
and tended lifeline attached to a hoist or jib; work practices to
be followed while cleaning and locking out any moving agitators,
rotating knives, etc., before work is allowed to begin.

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

May 22, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Jun 12, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $600 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Jun 12, 1992

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Jun 12, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,925 · Current $650 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Jun 12, 1992

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,925 · Current $650 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Apr 27, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,925 · Current $650 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 1992

Abate by

Apr 27, 1992