OSHA Inspection: RICH MANUFACTURING CORP.

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
On or about 9/28/92, 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 hazard of severe lung damage or
asphxiation from insufficient oxygen or high levels of air contaminats
from welding or painting operations in confined spaces:
a- Rich Manufacturing Corporation - Employees were required
to enter potable water tanks to perform a visual inspection
of the interior, welding and painting.  The tanks, which are
constructed of carbon steel, are 11 feet in diameter and range
from 20 to 29 feet in length.  The access hatch was 2 feet in
diameter.  The employer did not correctly evaluate the hazards
of the confined space.  The employer did not establish a written
permit system to certify that all hazards have been evaluated.
The employer did not provide training to employees in order
that they may safely work in the tanks.  The employer did not
providfe, maintain or ensure the proper use of equipment
necessary for safe entry, including testing and monitoring
equipment.  The employer did not ensure that procedures and
equipment necessary to rescue employees from the tanks were
implemented and provided.
Condition noted on or about 9/28/92.
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:
1- Instruction and training 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 tanks.
3- Issuing a proper entry permit prior to tank entry to
ensure that all hazards have been evaluated.
4- Conduct atmospheric testing of tanks to determine
potential oxygen deficiency and the presennce of air
contaminants, prior to employee entry and during the time
the employee is working in the tank.
5- Where it has been determined that the confined space
contains a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant
and/or an oxygen deficiency, using mechanically-induced
ventilation in the confined space/tank before entry and
during occupancy, as well as proper respiratory protection
equipment, would ensure adequate protection against the
hazards encountered.
6- Provisions and procedures for a standby observer located
outside the confined space/tank, as well as readily available
standby equipment (safety line, harness, etc.).
7- Ensure that confiend space entrants and attendants are
properly trained.  Training should include, but not be
limited to:  Hazard recognition, communication, protective
equipment, and rescue procedures.

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Dec 9, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Jan 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Dec 4, 1992

Abate by

Dec 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $150 Reduced