OSHA Inspection: OKO CORPORATION

Issued

Oct 20, 1989

Abate by

Dec 24, 1989

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $170 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 ex-
posed to:
(a) Employee(s) were exposed to the hazard of oxygen deficiency
and toxic atmosphere(s) while performing clean up operations in
a 6 foot deep tank containing sulphuric acid and caustic soda.
The employer had not developed and implemented an effective con-
fined space entry program to protect employees from these haz-
ards.
One feasible method among others to correct the hazard would be
to develop a confined area entry procedure incorporating the
following elements:
(1) Written procedure covering a permit system, ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, lockout proce-
dures and employee training. Conduct periodic evalua-
tion of the effectiveness of the procedures.
(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 a safe atmos-
phere where determined necessary as defined in (2)
above.
(4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to
entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient
oxygen (15.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic
of combustible gases or vapors when determined necessary
as described in (2) above.
(5) Lockout, blocking, stooping and reducing machines to
zero mechanical and thermal state of all mechanical,
electrical, liquid relating to the confined space that
may create a hazard during entry should these systems be
put in motion or otherwise activated. A worker individ-
ual lock is to be applied and a unique and situation tag
shall be attached to the lock and energizing controls.
(6) Emergency rescue procedures, with a requirement that
trained personnel are available and are stationed out-
side the confined space with proper equipment to provide
for the rescue of persons entering the space as deter-
mined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equip-
ment must include safety harness and life lines with
provisions for hoisting employees from the confined
space. If entry is required for a rescue, the rescuing
employee must be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory equipment and other appropriate personnel
protective equipment.
(7) Training of any and all employees required to enter the
confined space. This training shall include procedures
required prior to entry and the hazards associated with
work in confined spaces.
(8) Periodic review of the procedure(s) with employees and
evaluation of its effectiveness.

Issued

Oct 20, 1989

Abate by

Dec 24, 1989

Penalty

Initial $120 · Current $80 Reduced

Issued

Oct 20, 1989

Abate by

Nov 24, 1989

Issued

Oct 20, 1989

Abate by

Nov 24, 1989

Penalty

Initial $200 · Current $140 Reduced

Issued

Oct 20, 1989

Abate by

Nov 24, 1989

Penalty

Initial $120 · Current $80 Reduced