OSHA Inspection: E/Z/FLO PLUMBING & HEATING

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Oct 22, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 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
employees were exposed to:
Hazard to which employee was exposed:
(a)  On or about July 16, 1993 an employee entered a
confined space, a sanitary sewer, to insert plugs into
the sanitary sewer pipes to isolate possible
contamination of water mains.  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 specific for the worker
exposures to confined space hazards specific for the
cleaning, sludging and relining operation performed.
Procedures shall follow ANSI Z117.1-1989 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 specifies 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 or 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

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Oct 22, 1993

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Aug 27, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Nov 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Oct 22, 1993

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Aug 26, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Aug 27, 1993

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Sep 5, 1993

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Sep 5, 1993

Issued

Aug 23, 1993

Abate by

Oct 22, 1993