OSHA Inspection: BELOIT CORPORATION, R & D CENTER

Issued

May 24, 1989

Abate by

Sep 5, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,260 · Current $650 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 hazards of working in a confined space:
a) Department 163 on May 3,1989 - Maintenance man entered the pit below
Ingersoll Milling Machine #8805 to install a chip chute without
testing the atmosphere prior to entering.
b) Department 142 - Employees were required to work inside a stainless
steel machine component, approximately 300 feet in length, without
testing the atmosphere prior to entering.
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, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures and employee training.
2) The completion and posting of a warning sign and a confined space
entry permit which requires autorization 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 lifelines with provisions
for hoisting employees from 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 eqiuiment.
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 the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.