OSHA Inspection: BUFFALO DONS ARTESIAN WELLS, LTD.

Issued

Apr 27, 1989

Abate by

Jul 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $130 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) Employees entered confned spaces such as artesian water tanks and
distilled water tanks for cleaning and sanitizing. Employees were
exposed to potential hazards of severe eye and skin damage from
chemical contact or respiratory failure due to oxygen deficient
atmosphere.
A feasible method of abatement includes, but is 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 adn approval in writing that specifies that
all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified
person and necessary protective measure 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 atosphere, 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 outside the confined space with
proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the
space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such
equipment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions
for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required
for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved
aire supplied 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 workin confined spaces.
(Reference:  Section 3,4, and 5 of ANSI 2117.1-1977 safety requirements
for working in tanks and other confined spaces.)

Issued

Apr 27, 1989

Abate by

Jul 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $200 · Current $125 Reduced

Issued

Apr 27, 1989

Abate by

May 11, 1989

Issued

Apr 27, 1989

Abate by

Jun 1, 1989