OSHA Inspection: CASALE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Apr 2, 1993

Abate by

May 4, 1993

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $375

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
On or about 12/16/92, 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 hazards of entry into confined
spaces:
a- Tank Assembly - Employee enters tanks to mig/tig weld on
the tank end.  These methods use argon gas which could fill
the tank and asphixiate the welder.
Feasible abatement method:  Among other methods, one feasible
and accepted method to correct this hazard is to implement
a confined space entry procedure which includes, but is not
limited to, the following items:
1- Provide instruction and training as to the nature of the
hazards involved and the necessary precautions to be taken
relative to confined space entry.
2- Post written confined space entry procedures adjacent to
all vessel or basement entry ports.
3- Issue a proper entry permit prior to confined space entry
to ensure that all hazards have been evaluated.
4- Conduct atmospheric testing to determine potential oxygen
deficiency and the presence of air contaminants.
5- Where it has been determined that a confined space contains
a hazardous concentrtion of an air contaminant and/or oxygen
deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in the
confined space before entry and/or use of respiratory protective
equipment, which provides adequate protection against the
hazards involved, shall be provided.
6- Provisions for a standby observer, located outside the
confined space area, and readily available standby equipment,
consisting of a safety line, harness and appropriate
self-contained respiratory equipment.
7- Hot work or the use of an open flame shall not be begun
within a confined space until an appropriate entry permit has
been issued.