OSHA Inspection: DI PAOLO COMPANY

Issued

Aug 9, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · 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:
(a)  On or about July 7, 1993, an employee was working in an
active sanitary storm sewer, manhole number 78, without
personal
protective equipment, nor was the sewer tested for at least
19.5
percent oxygen or explosive gases.  The employee entered the
sewer, a confined space, to remove PVC pipe.  A confined space
entry procedure had not been developed for worker use.
Employees were exposed to hazard of asphyxiation.  Among
others
a feasible method to correct this hazard is:
A confined space entry procedure shall be developed,
implemented
and enforced which is specified for the worker exposure to
confined space hazards.  Procedures shall follow ANSI
Z117.11989
and shall include at least the following:
(1)   Written procedures covering a permit system,
ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, employee
training,
designation of a qualified person for standby and
emergency procedures.
(2)   The completion and posting of a confined space entry
permit which requires authorization and approval in
writing that specified the location and type of work to
be done and certifies that all existing hazards have
been
evaluated by a qualified person and the 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 of the space during
operations to provide a safe atmosphere.
(4)   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.
(5)   Emergency procedures with requirements 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.  Such equipment
must
include safety harness of lifelines 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/self-contained
breathing apparatus or other appropriate respiratory
protection and other appropriate personal protective
equipment.
(6)   Training shall be provided to all employees required to
enter the confined space or assist in rescue/emergency
activities.  The training shall include the procedures
required prior to entry and the hazards associated with
work in the confined space, use of protective, testing
and
rescue