OSHA Inspection: BALZER'S INDUSTRIAL, INC.

Issued

Oct 4, 1994

Abate by

Oct 21, 1994

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $438 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:
(a) Employees of Balzer's Industrial, Inc., working at 1308 Fifth Street
South, Fargo,
ND, on or about September 22, 1994, were exposed to potential oxygen
deficiency
and/or toxic atmosphere while welding without the benefit of a
comprehensive
confined space entry program, in that elements such as, but not limited
to, the
following were not addressed:
1. A confined space entry permit system was not in place.
2. Atmospheric testing was not performed prior to confined space entry.
3. Prior to entry, the contents of the entry permit were not communicated
to the
occupants, or posted, or both.
4. An emergency response rescue program was not in place.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct these hazards
is to implement and enforce a confined space entry program in accordance
with American
National Standard Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces (ANSI)
Z117.1-1989.