OSHA Inspection: J. CONGDON SEWER SERVICE, INCORPORATED

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $810 · Current $810

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 confined spaces:
Employees were installing storm sewer piping and entering manholes for
for the purpose of aligning laser and shoveling out dirt in the pipes.
The employer did not carry out or enforce a confined space entry
procedure and program requiring the training of all employees in
confined space entry procedures; testing and monitoring of the
atmosphere for the presence of sufficient oxygen and the absence of
hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, and had not
established a rescue procedure.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate plant
Confined Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977
Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. Such
a program shall include, as a minimum, the following elements:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilations,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2) The completion and posting of a warning sign and 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 designated by the employer, and 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 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% to 25%) 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 life lines 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. Note: Under no circumstances is the standby
person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate
assistance is present.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and hazards associated with work in confined spaces.

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 15, 1989

Penalty

Initial $810 · Current $810

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 15, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $360

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $360

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $360

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $360

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $420

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $180

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 3, 1989

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

Issued

Oct 31, 1989

Abate by

Nov 6, 1989

Penalty

Initial $160 · Current $160