OSHA Inspection: BUMPER WORKS, INC.

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Jan 19, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $448 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 asphyxiation, illnesses, and the hazard of fire and
explosion when the employees of Bumper Workers, Inc. involved in
entry into the pits of the three large presses, located in the press
area, were not provided with an adequate confined space entry
procedure to protect employees from possible over exposure to
toxic substances, combustible gases and oxygen deficient atmospheres
while cleaning a sludge mixture of oil scale and water from the pits
or adjusting the press seating.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct
this hazard is to 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 Other Confined Spaces. A minimally
acceptable confined space entry procedure consists of the following
elements:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures, and employee 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
necessary protection 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%) 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 lifelines
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.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.
Disclaimers:
1) The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested
above.
2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in
all cases.
3) The employer is responsible for selecting and carring out an
appropriate abatement method.

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $168 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Jan 19, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $448 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 22, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $280 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $336 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 22, 1990

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 22, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $448 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $336 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,120 · Current $784 Reduced

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 28, 1990

Issued

Nov 19, 1990

Abate by

Nov 26, 1990