OSHA Inspection: TORCO OIL COMPANY

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jul 31, 1990

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $460 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) The hazards of confined space entry which would result in death
during cleaning operations of pits and tanks. Employees were required
to enter and clean a fuel oil storage tank without implementing an
effective confined space entry program.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is the implementation of an adequate confined space entry program
as specified in ANSI Z11. Elements of a confined space entry program
include, but are not limited to:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures, and employees 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
that 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 sufficient enough 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) Training of all employees required to enter the confined space and
all employees required to standby for rescue. This training shall
include procedures required prior to entry, procedures required
during occupation of the confined space, procedures for safe rescue
of employees in the confined space and the hazards associated with
work in confined spaces.

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $160 Reduced

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jul 31, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jul 31, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jul 31, 1990

Issued

Jun 13, 1990

Abate by

Jun 27, 1990