OSHA Inspection: MONTGOMERY TANK LINES

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Jan 9, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1):  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 vessels such as but not limited to
transport tanks:
a.  On or about September 29, 1992, and at times prior thereto, employees
were exposed to the hazards associated with improper confined space entry
while cleaning and/or inspecting the inside of transport tanks.  Prior
to entry, a confined space program had been developed, however, procedures
for confined space entry were not fully implemented, i.e.,:  employees had
not been trained in proper confined space entry procedures, 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, deficient entry permits were being used by employees, attendants
and confined space occupants did not maintain constant two-way
communication,
an effective method to summon rescuers was not accessible to    t
attendants.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards is to 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 and to ensure zero mechanical and thermal state of 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 in 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 and 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

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Jan 6, 1993

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $2,625

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Jan 6, 1993

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $2,625

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Jan 6, 1993

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Jan 6, 1993

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $2,625

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Dec 11, 1992

Issued

Dec 7, 1992

Abate by

Dec 11, 1992