OSHA Inspection: A.O. SMITH ENGINEERED STORAGE PRODUCTS COMPANY

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Dec 11, 1989

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $445 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
the hazard of excessive airborne concentrations of chemical vapors
and/or asphyxiation when working in confined spaces where ambient
atmospheric concentrations/conditions are unknown, such as the pit under
the 1150 ton Bliss Press. Employees are required to enter the pit to
perform maintenance work and repair.
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 employees 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 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.

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Oct 20, 1989

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $330 Reduced

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Oct 20, 1989

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $330 Reduced

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Oct 20, 1989

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Oct 16, 1989

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $445 Reduced

Issued

Oct 13, 1989

Abate by

Oct 16, 1989

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $450 Reduced