OSHA Inspection: BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.

Issued

Jan 30, 1990

Abate by

May 24, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

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:
On 11/16/89, employees working as welding specialist senior classifi-
cation, and security EMT's entered enclosed or confined spaces (com-
ponent #5 D 21319., 102, Bldg., 49N, column E - 27) as part
of their job duties. The component had the potential for oxygen
deficient atmosphere in that Argon, an inert gas was being used in
the component. Employees were exposed to serious injury and/or
death from possible Argon asphyxia. The employer failed to comply
with acceptable methods listed below:
One feasible and acceptable method, among others to correct this
hazard would be to provide the following:
1. Review of salary job classifications to determine potential
for confined space entry.
2. Review of written procedures covering the permit system, venti-
lation, atmospheric testing and employee training. Conduct periodic
evaluation on the effectiveness of the procedure.
3. Training of all potentially exposed employees including rescue
teams who may enter confined space. This training shall include pro-
cedures required prior to entry, the hazards associated with work
in confined space, and procedures to be followed regarding rescue
and/or retrieval, including use of retrieval and rescue equipment
furnished.
4. Assure that approved air supplied respiratory equipment shall be
readily available for use in the event rescue required entry into con-
fined spaces. with unknown.