OSHA Inspection: STAINLESS TANK & EQUIPMENT

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Apr 4, 1990

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $250 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 expsoed to:
Employees entering tanks (under construction or repair) for grinding
and preparation work are exposed to oxygen deficient and/or toxic
atmospheres.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct these
hazards is to establish and enforce an adequate plant confined space
entry procedure such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977, American
National Standard for Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces.
Essential elements of this confined space entry procedure would include:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, isolation, 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 specifiesthe
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) Isolation of the confined space to preclude the energy of hazardous
materials and/or activation of energy sources (e.g. electrical,
mechanical, hydraulic, etc.). Methods which can be used to prevent
the entry of hazardous materials or closing and locking two valves
of piping leading to the confined space and locking open a drain
valve leading to the atmosphere between the two closed valves (double
block & bleed).
Methods which can be used to prevent activation of energy sources
affecting the confined space include: locking out electrical line
switches to equipment controlling moving hazards, dissipating stored
energy in capacitors, air, steam, water and other pressure lines and
blocking or repositioning springs, elevated machine members and
rotating flywheels to prevent the release of stored energy.
4) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% or
greater) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic, flammable or
combustible gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described
in (2) above.
6) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and stationed outside the confined space with proper
equipment to provide for rescue of person(s) entering the space. Such
equipment must include safety harness(es) and lifeline(s) with
provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry
is required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) must be equipped
with approved supplied air respiratory equipment with escape
provisions or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) plus other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
7) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. The training shall include procedures required prior to
entry, the hazards associated with work in confined spaces as well
as emergency rescue.

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $270 · Current $160 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 28, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $630 · Current $380 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $630 · Current $380 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $100 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Mar 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $325 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $220 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $220 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $220 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 28, 1990

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 31, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Feb 8, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990

Issued

Jan 25, 1990

Abate by

Jan 26, 1990