OSHA Inspection: TANK SALES AND EQUIPMENT

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jul 11, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $280

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:
Employee(s) entered various tanks, which were confined spaces having
the potential for oxygen deficient atmospheres and/or hazardous
levels of toxic or combustible gases. for the purpose of inspection
and/or welding, and the procedures followed were inadequate to insure
safe entry and egress in that:
1) The atmosphere inside the tanks was not tested for oxygen deficiency
prior to entry to insure oxygen levels were adequate for breathing
purposes and for the proper functioning of the cumbustible gas
indicator.
2) The MSA Model 2A combustible gas indicator was not calibrated before
each use according to manufacturer's directions using a known
concentration of calibration gas.
3) The safety belt sometimes worn by the entrant working in tanks was
not adequate in that it could cause him to block the exit manhole if
he had to be rescued with the lifeline.
Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement method could
include:
1) Institute a formal confined space entry program such as stipulated by
ANSI Z117.1-1977, American National Standard of Safety Requirements
for Working in Tanks and Confined Spaces, and OSHA's proposed
standard 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit Required Confined Spaces. A
minimally acceptable confined space entry procedure consists of the
following elements:
a) Written procedures including ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue
procedures, personal protective equipment, and employee training.
b) Provide mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry
and during occupancy to assure a safe atmosphere.
c) Test the atmosphere in the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis during occupancy for the presence fo sufficient oxygen
(minimum 19.5%) and the absence of hazardous levels of toxic or
combustible gases, where such gases may be present.
Measurements shall be made with instrucments calibrated daily or before
each use according to manufacturer's instructions. Instrument operators
shall be trained in the use and care of instruments.
d) Personal protective equipment such as respirators shall be chosen and
provided on the basis of testing and monitoring. Users of this
equipment shall be trained on its use and limitation. Respiratory
equipment shall be used in accordance with Section .134 of 29 CFR
1910 General Industry Standards. A safety harness with attached
lifeline shall be worn during entry that will allow the entrant to
be rescued through manholes of restriced size.
e) An attendant shall be stationed outside the confined space and shall
maintain effective and continous contact with the entrant during
entry. The attendant shall be properly trained in hazard recognition
and rescue procedures.
f) Employees who are required to work in a confined space shall be
trained in all aspects of the confined space program, including
hazard recognition, communication with the attendant, use of
protective equipment, and emergency rescue procedures.
Disclaimer:
a) The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested by
OSHA;
b) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases;
c) The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
effective abatement method.

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 21, 1990

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 21, 1990

Penalty

Initial $200 · Current $200

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 14, 1990

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 14, 1990

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Issued

Jun 11, 1990

Abate by

Jul 11, 1990