OSHA Inspection: WARM SPRINGS FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $455 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 exposed to:
a) On June 8, 1990 a powerhouse generator technician was exposed to a
hazardous atmosphere inside the No. 3 turbine oil recirculation
sump (confined space) for the purpose of cleaning sludge with
1,1,1-trichloroethane.
b) During the July 1990 mill shutdown plywood plant employees were
exposed to potentially hazardous atmospheres inside two twenty-foot
formaldehyde resin reactor vessels when required to enter the
vessels through the top manhole for the purpose of cleaning and
repairing the insides.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is the development and implementation of confined
space entry procedures to include the following elements as a minimum:
1) An accurate and updated inventory of all confined space hazards to
include location, description of hazards, reason for entry, and
number of employees required to conduct work inside.
2) Written procedures covering reasons and conditions of entry,
atmospheric testing, maintenance of safe atmosphere (ventilation)
rescue procedures and equipment, respiratory equipment, fit testing
and employee training.
3) Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid
and gas systems relating to confined space that may create a hazard
during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise
activated.
4) Test the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and on a
regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic and/or flammable
vapors (maximum 10% LEL). When toxic substances are present for which
no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee shall
be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of air
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment.
5) Establish a tag out system to mark the confined space unsafe for
entry should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry (see 4).
Marking is to remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
6) Written emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space
with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering
the space. For spaces which present a difficulty entering or leaving,
such equipment must include a safety harness and life lines with
provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry
is required for rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped and
trained with approved rescue respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 15, 1990

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $450 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $450 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 15, 1990

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Sep 13, 1990

Abate by

Oct 5, 1990

Penalty

Initial $200 · Current $100 Reduced