OSHA Inspection: KEYSTONE RESOURCES INC.

Issued

May 11, 1990

Abate by

Jun 25, 1990

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $180 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 entered a
confined space without adequate protective measures having been put in
place:
a) Inadequate procedures for entering and working in confined spaces
(baghouse) exposed employees to the potential hazards of oxygen
deficiency, toxic or explosive atmospheres. Employees enter the
baghouse to perform cleaning and maintenance work. The procedures
were inadequate for the following reasons:
1) Confined space atmospheres are not tested for oxygen content,
flammability and toxicity prior to entry into the confined space.
2) Provisions were not made for continuous monitoring while employees
are inside the confined space.
3) Preparation for entry into confined space does not include
provisions to assure that ventilation to control toxic flammable
or oxygen deficient atmospheres was adequate.
4) Life-lines and harnesses were not used, nor are they immediately
available.
5) Employees and supervisors were not trained in the health and
safety associated with confined space work. Employees and
supervisors were not familiar with entry and rescue techniques.
6) Confined space entry procedures did not include the use of a
permit system with a management checkoff/sign-off (authorization)
and a hazard control checklist.
7) Appropriate warning signs, tags and labels were not posted in the
area of confined space work. (04/05/90)

Issued

May 11, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Penalty

Initial $280 · Current $140 Reduced