OSHA Inspection: W. R. BONSAL COMPANY

Issued

Oct 28, 1991

Abate by

Nov 12, 1992

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 28, 1991

Abate by

Nov 12, 1992

Issued

Oct 28, 1991

Abate by

Dec 12, 1992

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 28, 1991

Abate by

Nov 28, 1991

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,980 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 entering a mixer in the mastic area to perform clean
up and removal of material were exposed to the hazards of entering
a confined space which could have contained hazardous airborne
contaminants or lacked sufficient oxygen, without adequate confined
space entry procedures.
1) On or about August 12, 1991, employees entered a mixing vessel
to clean and remove material.  There was no monitoring of the oxygen
or of combustible gases which could be present. There was no standby
person to aid in rescue. There were no lifelines or safety harnesses
in use or present. There was no local ventilation of the vessel prior
to or during entry.
Among other methods of abatement of the hazards, one feasible method to
abate these deficiencies, includes, but is no limited to instituting the
following minimum requirements for confined space entry:
1)   Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at least
one supervisor prior to confined space entry.  (confined space entry
permit).  The permit must indicate special precautions and time period
for which it is valid.
2)   Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid
and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazar d
during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise ac-
tivated.
3)   Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and
on a regular basis during occupancy  for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases
(maximum 10% LEL) or dusts.  When toxic substances are present for
which no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee
shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of ai r
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment.
4)   Establish a tag-out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry
should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry.  Marking is to
remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5)   Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6)   Written emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside of the confined
space with proper equipment to provide forthe rescue   of persons
entering the space.  Such equipment must include safety harness and
lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined
space.  If entry is required for rescue, the rescue employee must
be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
7)   The confined space entry procedures shall be written and the
responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the
procedures.

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $825 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Sep 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,980 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,980 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,980 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 4, 1991

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $1,980 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Sep 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $825 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Sep 16, 1991

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Sep 10, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $825 Reduced

Issued

Sep 5, 1991

Abate by

Oct 4, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $125 Reduced