OSHA Inspection: THE KESSLER TANK COMPANY INC.

Issued

Oct 5, 1994

Abate by

Oct 13, 1994

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1994

Abate by

Oct 23, 1994

Penalty

Initial $1,400 · Current $490 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1994

Abate by

Oct 11, 1994

Penalty

Initial $49,000 · Current $7,000 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:
On or about August 12, 1994, employees working inside the water tower tank
located at
8420 Kilby Road in Harrison, Ohio were exposed to the hazards of
asphyxiation from a
possible hazardous atmosphere and/or burns, etc. from a possible fire or
explosion in that a
combustible coating which contained mineral spirits was heated and then
sprayed inside the
tank by employees.  One feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is the
implementation of a comprehensive and effective confined space entry
program.
Confined Space Entry procedures such as, but not limited to the following
items were not
followed for the tank entry:
A.There was no confined space entry permit filled out prior to entry by
an authorized employee.
B.The water tower tank atmosphere was not monitored prior to entry and
continuously during the operation as there was the potential for
generating a hazardous atmosphere inside the tank.
C.There was no standby person in constant communication with the
entrants and in a position to observe any irregularities that may require
entrants to exit the confined space.
D.There was no retrieval system for use in the event of an emergency.
E.The employer's confined space entry permit was deficient in areas such
as, but
not limited to the following:
1. There was no communication procedures spelled out.
2. There was no rescue procedures spelled out.
( CONTINUED )
( CONTINUED )
F.The employer failed to notify the local Fire Department of their intent
to call
them in the event of an emergency for them to perform a rescue entry into
the
confined space.