OSHA Inspection: TOTAL TANK SERVICES, INC.

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 12, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $550 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 atmospheres immediately dangerous when they
entered tanks on or before 3/7/89, due to the presence of methylene
chloride and/or lack of oxygen.  Employer failed to execute a tank entry
program, which included appropriate testing, training of personnel and
indentifying, selecting and using appropriate personal protective
equipment and tools.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry
program.  One feasible and acceptable program would be the following:
Establish and implement a written tank entry program to include at least
the following:
a) Require inspection and evaluation by a competent person and limit job
authorization to the competent person.  Such input for authorization
shall address:
1) Evaluation of the tank content.
2) Necessity of and use of ventilation.
3) Monitoring results as to acceptable oxygen content (greater than
19.5% oxygen) and acceptable levels of air contaminants including %
of lower explosive limit.
4) Appropriate tools to be utilized such as non-sparking tools and
protected illumination sources.
5) Correct personal protection equipment such as respiratory protection
and protective clothing.
6) Appropriately equipped standby personnel with rescue capabilities.
b) Require a written authorization by the competent person for entry
into each tank. Such an authorization shall include visual display at
the tank.
c) Establish ventilation and monitoring protocol for the type of
material in each tank that shall include at least:
1) The ventilation needed and extent of the ventilation such as
"continuously" if appropriate.
2) Monitoring of the tank for oxygen content and hazardous material
present in the air
d) Establish rescue procedures appropriate for possible atmosphere
conditions to be encountered from cleaning the tank.
e) Train operating personnel to assure adherence to the written
program.

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 12, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $550 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jul 27, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $550 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jul 27, 1989

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 27, 1989

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jul 27, 1989

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jul 29, 1989

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 27, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $550 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 27, 1989

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 12, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $550 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1989

Abate by

Jun 12, 1989