OSHA Inspection: MEADOWS CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

Sep 22, 1994

Abate by

Oct 25, 1994

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 employer did not provide employees involved in confined space
entry of the
manhole access to the sewer system, an adequate confined space entry
procedure to
protect employees from possible overexposure to toxic substances,
combustible gases
or vapors, and oxygen deficient atmospheres while performing construction
or other
procedures necessary for construction.  During such operations employees
were or
could potentially be exposed to the hazards of asphyxiation due to low
concentrations
of oxygen inside the confined space, illness including but not limited to
central
nervous depression, hyperpnea, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness and
death from
exposure to hydrogen sulfide, and fire or explosions due to the presence
of explosive
and/or flammable mixtures of gasses or vapors and oxygen inside of the
work area.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct
this hazard is
to institute a formal confined space entry program.  A minimally
acceptable confined
space entry procedure consists of the following elements:
(1)  Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures and employee training.
(2)  The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which
requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location
and
type of work to be done and certifies that all existing and potential
hazards
have been evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective measures
have been implemented to ensure the safety of each worker.
(3)  Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continuous
ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary through
the results of atmospheric testing.
(4)  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and
frequently
during occupancy for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5) and absence
of
hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gasses or vapors.
(5)  Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper
equipment to effect rescue of persons entering the space.  Such equipment
must include safety harness and lifelines with provisions for hoisting
employees form the confined space.  If entry is necessary to effect
rescue, the
rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
(6)  Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces.
This training shall cover procedures required prior to entry, the
hazardsassociated with work in confined spaces, and the proper utilization
of
protective measures and equipment.
ABATEMENT NOTE
1.  The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested above.
2.  The methods explained above are general and may not be effective in all
cases.
3.  The employer is responsible for complete characterization of the
hazards
and the selection and implementation of effective abatement methods.t

Issued

Sep 22, 1994

Abate by

Oct 25, 1994

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $300