OSHA Inspection: BARON DRAWN STEEL CORP.

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Apr 9, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $950 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:
The hazards of toxic and/or oxygen-deficient atmospheres while
cleaning the sludge out of cleaning tanks which contain zinc
phosphate at the pickling operations in the wire mill
department.
Employees clean tanks containing zinc phosphate, at the pickling
operation and an adequate, acceptable written confined space
entry procedure was not established.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to establish and enforce a confined
space entry program.  Essential elements of a confined space
entry program include, but are not limited to:
1.  Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed
by at least one supervisor prior to confined space entry.
(Confined space entry permit.)  The permit must indicate special
precautions and time period for which it is valid.
2.  Ensure the lock-out, blocking or equivalent of all
mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the
confined space that may create a hazard during entry should these
systems be put in motion or otherwise activated.
3.  Test the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space
and on a regular basis during occupancy for presence of
sufficient oxygen and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or
combustible gases.  When toxic substances are present for which
no equipment to test the atmosphere are available, the employee
shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the
use of air-supplied respirator equipment and other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
4.  Establish a tagout system to mark the confined space unsafe
for entry should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry.
marking to remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5.  Ventilate the confined space prior to entry and continue
ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6.  Establish written emergency procedures with a requirement
that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside
of the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the
rescue of persons entering the space.  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 rescue employee must be equipped with approved
air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
7.  Effective means of communication must be maintained between
rescue personnel and employees in the confined space at all
times.
8.  Confined space entry procedures shall be written and the
responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the
procedures.
9.  Ensure that the proper personal protective equipment is
available and worn by employees.

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Apr 9, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $600 Reduced

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Apr 9, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $950 Reduced

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Mar 9, 1993

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Mar 9, 1993

Issued

Feb 4, 1993

Abate by

Mar 9, 1993