OSHA Inspection: CHEMICAL LEAHMAN TANK LINES,INC.(QUALAWASH SYSTEM)

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Oct 26, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 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 oxygen deficiency, flammable and/or toxic atmospheres inside     t
trucks.
a.  On or about August 18, 1992, and at times prior thereto, employees were
exposed to the hazards associated with improper confined space entry while
cleaning and performing walk-throughs while inside over-the-road tank
trucks.  Prior to entry, an adequate confined space entry procedure was not
developed and implemented, ie:  employees had not been trained in the
hazards associated with working in confined spaces, suitable emergency
rescue training and equipment was not provided, atmospheric testing and
monitoring equipment was not functioning properly, nor had it been
calibrated.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards is to establish, implement and enforce an adequate
plant confined space entry program such as that stipulated by ANSI
Z117.1-1989, American National Standard Safety Requirements for 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 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 that necessary
measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
3.  Blinding, blocking, bleeding, purging, lockout or any other steps
necessary to reduce to and ensure zero mechanical and thermal state all
mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, liquid and gas systems
relating to the confined space that may create a hazard to employees during
entry or while working in the confined space should any of these systems
be put in motion or otherwise activated.  A worker individual lock is to
be applied and a unique situation tag shall be attached to the lock and
energizing or activating controls or devices.
4.  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.
5.  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.
6.  Emergency rescue procedures with 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 a rescue,
the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
7.  Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces
and all employees required to standby for rescue.  This training shall
include procedures required prior to entry, during occupation of the
confined space, procedures for safe rescue of employees in the confined
space and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Nov 5, 1992

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Oct 26, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,250 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Dec 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Oct 29, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Oct 29, 1992

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Nov 23, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Nov 18, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 19, 1992

Abate by

Oct 23, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced