OSHA Inspection: ELECTRIC CONDUIT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Issued

Apr 11, 1989

Abate by

May 11, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $420

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 space:
Approximately 0.1 mile North of Sullivan Road & Orchard Road
employees were dismantling metal forms inside the 14ft. x 14 ft. x 10
feet deep telephone vault.  The employer did not have an effective
confined space entry procedure requiring training, rescue, 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.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to establish and maintain a confined space entry program.
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 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 perosnal
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 the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.