OSHA Inspection: WORLD PLUMBING COMPANY

Issued

Jan 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,200 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/or 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 and/or flammable and/or toxic
atmospheres inside a storm sewer manhole.
a.  On or about January 5, 1993, and at times prior thereto, employees
were exposed to the hazards associated with improper confined space entry
while making and checking a connection to a storm sewer manhole.
Prior to entry, a confined space entry procedure was not developed and
implemented, ie:  employees had not been trained in the hazards associated
with working in confined spaces, employees had not been trained in proper
confined space entry procedures, suitable emergency rescue training and
equipment was not provided, appropriate atmospheric testing and monitoring
equipment had not been provided nor had employees been provided training
in the limitations and proper use of such equipment.
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

Jan 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Jan 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $650 Reduced