OSHA Inspection: NEUMANN COMPANY CONTRACTORS INC.

Issued

Aug 10, 1994

Abate by

Aug 16, 1994

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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:
a)  Golf & Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois - Employees
of
Neumann Company Contractors, entered a confined space, the bowl of the
Arlington Heights Water Tower, for the purpose of removing paint coatings
by
abrasive blasting, painting the interior walls of the tank, and performing
welding
operations, exposing employees to the potential of asphyxiation and
explosive
and/or toxic atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health.  A
confined
space entry procedure was not enforced which was specific for the worker
exposures to confined space hazards when welding, abrasive blasting, and
painting operations are performed.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct these
hazards is to establish and implement a confined space entry program such
as that
specified in ANSI Z117.1-1989.  The program shall consist of the following:
1)  Develop and utilize effective procedures for confined space entry
including
but not limited to rescue operations and designation of qualified persons
for
standby and emergency procedures.
2)  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry, and on a
regular
basis, for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5) and the absence of
hazardous
levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors.
3)  Establish 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 a safety harness and lifelines with provisions for hoisting
employees
from
the confined space.  If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing
employee must
be equipped with an approved air supplied/self contained breathing
apparatus or
other appropriate respiratory protection and other appropriate personal
protective
equipment.
4)  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, atmospheric testing and rescue
equipment.
5)  Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued
ventilation of the space during the operations to provide a safe
atmosphere.

Issued

Aug 10, 1994

Abate by

Aug 16, 1994

Issued

Aug 10, 1994

Abate by

Aug 16, 1994

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

Aug 10, 1994

Abate by

Aug 16, 1994

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000