OSHA Inspection: HOUTER CONSTRUCTION INC.

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $400 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 likley to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
On or before 8/23/93, an employee was exposed to an atmosphere immediately
dangerous to life when he entered the confined space of the manhole at
Newell and Blackbrook Roads at a depth of about 27 feet for the purpose
of installing a balloon type device known as a "sewer ball".  The employee
was exposed to the potential hazards of an oxygen deificient atmosphere
and/or toxic/combustible gases and vapors.  The employer failed to develop
and implement a confined space entry program which would assure work
performed within the confined space area could be accomplished safely.
A feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to:
(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 necessary protective
measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
(3)  Mechanical ventilation of the confiend space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
(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, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
(5)  Emergency rescue procedures with a 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 rescue, the
rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
(6)  Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces.  This training shall include procedures required prior to entry
and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $400 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Dec 7, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Dec 7, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Dec 7, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Dec 7, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 11, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $440 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 11, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 8, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $440 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 18, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $440 Reduced

Issued

Oct 5, 1993

Abate by

Oct 18, 1993