OSHA Inspection: THAKAR ALUMINUM CORP.

Issued

Sep 9, 1988

Abate by

Oct 13, 1988

Penalty

Initial $490 · Current $490

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 hazards of oxygen deficient and/or toxic atmospheres with the
potential for causing death by asphyxiation when entering and working
in the casting pit without prior testing of the air quality, personal
protective equipment, or means of escape and rescue.
Among other methods one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate confined
space entry procedure such as that described by ANSI Z-117.1,Safety
Requirements for Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. Essential
elements of the confined space entry procedure would include:
1) Testing the atmosphere within the pit prior to entry to determine
the concentration of oxygen and the presence or absence of toxic or
flammable materials;
2) Surveying the area to determine whether nearby operation, processes,
or stored materials could alter the conditions within the pit while
employees were working therein;
3) Providing mechanical ventilation as needed to ensure that acceptable
air quality is maintained while employees are exposed;
4) Providing for the immediate removal of employees who may become
injured or overcome while in the confined space;
5) Monitoring, evaluating, and enforcing the established procedures.