OSHA Inspection: MANVILLE SALES CORPORATION

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $800

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) Manville Sales Corporation - Employee(s) were allowed to
enter vessels in the T12 Department that had contained a slurry
mixture to perform repair activities and vessels in the Roofing
Department that contained an asphalt mixture to perform mainte-
nance activities without the employer enforcing the implementa-
tion of proper confined space entry procedures, to protect em-
ployee(s) from recognized hazards of being overcome by toxic
gases and/or oxygen deficient atmospheres. In that, the employ-
er did not assure that the vessels entered were mechanically
ventilated and/or atmospherically tested prior to entry and on a
regular basis or that employees involved in the confined space
entry were fully informed of emergency rescue procedures.
A feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Implementation of written procedures concerning a permit
system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue proce-
dures, lockout procedures (if applicable) and employee
training. Conduct periodic evaluation of hte effective-
ness 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, when determined necessary as described in (2)
above.
(4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to
entry and on a regular basis for the presence of suffi-
cient oxygen (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 out-
side the confined space with proper equipment to provide
for rescue of persons entering the space as determined
necessary in (2) above. Such equipment must include a
safety harness and lifeline with provisions for hoisting
employees from the confined space. If entry is required
for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped
with appropriate air supplied respiratory equipment and
other appropriate personal protective equipment.
(6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the
confined spaces. This training shall include procedures
required prior to entry and the hazards associated with
work in confined spaces.

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

Apr 30, 1990

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $500

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Issued

Apr 24, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990