OSHA Inspection: BURNS AND ROE ASSOCIATES

Issued

May 23, 1990

Abate by

Jun 26, 1990

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $8,000

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 11/30/89, 2 employees were required to enter and work in
a confined space in building 2210. Employees were working on aqua
guard as the drive axle bearing was worn;
b) On or about 3/8/90, employees (2) were required to enter and work
in a confined space in building 2210. Employees were working in
primary tank No. 3 & 4 to replace and/or repair right angle drive
shaft:
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) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to pits
or other confined space areas which may be entered.
2) Use of cleaning, purging, and ventilating procedures to remove
sludge and other residue prior to confined space entry.
3) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of
hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency prior to
entry into the confined space.
4) 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.
5) Use of appropriate protective clothing where applicable.
6) 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.
7) 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).