OSHA Inspection: DURA MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

May 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $1,125

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 organic vapors, bacteria, and/or oxygen
deficient atmosphere(s) while they were engaged in the cleaning of
pits located beneath six automatic presses:
Feasible methods of abatement include, but are not limited to:
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 ensure 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 the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry
and on a regular basis for 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 at the entrance of
the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the
rescue of persons entering the space as determined necessary
as described in (2) above. If entry is required for a rescue,
the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
6.  Training of any and all employees required to enter the
confined spaces.  This training shall include procedures required
prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined
spaces.