OSHA Inspection: KOVALCHICK CORPORATION

Issued

Jun 20, 1991

Abate by

Jul 15, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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:
a)  The lack of procedures for entering and working in a confined
space, exposed a worker to an excessive concentration of carbon
monoxide and possibly an oxygen deficient atmosphere while inside
a coal conveyor shaft on or about April 8, 1991.  Procedures for
confine space entry should as a minimum include the following:
1.  Establishment of a permit system through which the employer
identifies all conditions which must be evaluated to ensure
safe entry.  The permit system shall include management
"sign-off".
2.  Testing of the atmosphere to ensure adequate oxygen content
and absence of toxic or flammable gases or vapors.
3.  Utilization of an attendant or standby man while an employee
is inside the confine space.
4.  Training of employees in the health and safety hazards
associated with confined spaces and appropriate rescue
procedures.
5.  Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of safety
equipment such as but not limited to self-contained
breathing apparatuses, communication equipment, lifelines
and harnesses.
6.  Utilization of ventilation equipment to ensure a safe
atmosphere prior to entry and while work is in progress.
7.  Posting of warning labels and/or safety instruction signs
in the area of the confine space.

Issued

Jun 20, 1991

Abate by

Jun 23, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

Jun 20, 1991

Abate by

Jun 23, 1991

Issued

Jun 20, 1991

Abate by

Jun 23, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000