OSHA Inspection: GERARDI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Aug 1, 1990

Abate by

Aug 4, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

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 hazard of methane and/or hydrogen sulfide gas and oxygen deficient
atmosphere when entering a sewer manhole to utilize the Spectra Physics
laser sighting unit. The sewer manhole was connected immediately
adjacent to an existing live sewer line. No testing of the manhole was
conducted nor was any emergency equipment provided/utilized.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate plant
Confined Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977
Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. Such
a program shall include, as a minimum, the following elements:
1)  Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilations,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2)  The completion and posting of a warning sign and 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 designated by the employer, 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% to
25%) 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 lined
with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If
entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped
with approved air supplied respiratory equipment an other appropriate
personal protective equipment. NOTE: Under no circumstances is the
standby person to enter the confined space.

Issued

Aug 1, 1990

Abate by

Aug 4, 1990

Issued

Aug 1, 1990

Abate by

Aug 16, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

Issued

Aug 1, 1990

Abate by

Aug 4, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640