OSHA Inspection: NEWELL TRUCK PLAZA

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $400

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 hazard to employees, in that, employees were
exposed to a variety of hazards associated with oxygen deficient, toxic
and/or explosive atmospheres during confined space entry of process
equipment and associated structures such as 50,000/60,000 gallon truck
tanks, while in the process of washing.  During such operations,
employees were potentially exposed to the hazards of: asphyxiation, due
to the pressure of low concentrations of oxygen inside the process
equipment: illness, including but not necessarily limited to nervous
system damage, cyanosis, and death from exposure to atmospheres
containing less than 19.5% oxygen; burns and/or death resulting from
fires and/or explosions due to the potential presence of combustible/
explosions due to the potential presence of combustible/exposive misture
of gases/vapors and oxygen in the atmosphere.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct
this hazard is to institute a formal confined space entry program such
as is contained in ANSI Z117.1-1977, Safety Requirements for Working in
Confined Spaces.  A minimally acceptable confined space entry procedure
consists of the following elements:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, personal protective
equipment, 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 confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation to provide safe atmosphere, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above, Isolation/Lockout procedures
with a requirement that the confined space be completely isolated
from all systems by physical disconnection, double block and
bleed, or blanking off all lines when determined necessary in (2)
above.
Electrical isolation, by locking circuit breakers and/or disconnects
in the open (OFF) position with a key-type padlock. Mechanical
isolation, by disconnecting linkages or removing drivebelt and
chains, with moving parts being blocked where there can be no
accidental rotation. If complete isolation is not possiblespecific
written safety procedures approved and enforced by employer.
4) Testing the atmospheres of the confined space prior to entry and
on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen a minimum
of 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 lifelines
with provisions for hoisting employees for the confined space.
If entry is required, the rescuing employees must be equipped
with approved air-supplied respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protection equipment.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required for entry,
the hazards associated with work in confined spaces, and rescue
training procedures.
DISCLAIMERS:
1) The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested
above.
2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases.
3) The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
appropriate abatement method.

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Penalty

Initial $160 · Current $160

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $320

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990

Issued

Mar 9, 1990

Abate by

Apr 9, 1990