OSHA Inspection: BELOIT CORPORATION, R & D CENTER

Issued

Nov 27, 1989

Abate by

Nov 30, 1989

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $540

Issued

Nov 27, 1989

Abate by

Dec 11, 1989

Penalty

Initial $9,000 · Current $4,500 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
an unsafe atmosphere in which to work:
On or about August 29, 1989, the employer knowingly and intentionally
allowed an untrained mechanic to enter Headbox No. B5479 to
pneumatically grind the seams on the stainless steel transition piece.
The employee was working in a 25 inch diameter opening approximately
16 feet long. The Corporations' established Confined Space Entry
Procedure was not implemented to ensure that the employee was provided
with a safe atmosphere to work within.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish 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 warnig 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 lines 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 and other appropriate personal
protective equipment. NOTE: Under no circumstances is the standby
person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate
assistance is present.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and hazards associated with work in confined spaces.