OSHA Inspection: BVR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC.

Issued

1989-03-30 00:00:00

Abate by

1989-04-13 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $640.00 · Current $640.00

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:
a) On or about 3/8/89. Employees were exposed to the hazard of
inhalation of toxic substances, to asphyxiation and/or fire/explosion
during entry and working in a confined space situation. Employees are
required to enter a concrete overflow structure to apply Sikagard 62
protective coating with rollers.
Employees could suffer death due to oxygen deficiency (anoxia) and
severe burns should a fire or explosion result, among other hazards
within uncontrolled confined spaces. Employees can also be injured
during improper rescue procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure
which includes, but is not limited to, the following items:
1) Instruction as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary
precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry.
2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to pits,
tanks, vessels or other confined space areas which may beentered.
3) Use of cleaning, purging and ventilating procedures to remove sludge
and other residue prior to confined space entry.
4) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures
where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to
confined space entry.
5) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of
hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency prior to
entry into the confined space.
6) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains a
hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen
deficiency, use of mechanically-induced ventilation in the confined
space before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory
protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the
hazard(s) encountered.
7) Use of appropriate protective clothing, where applicable.
8) Provisions for a standby observer located outside the confined space
with a means of communication with the worker inside the confined
space and a means of obtaining immediate help in an emergency.
9) Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a
self-contained breathing apparatus certified by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
10) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined
space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.