OSHA Inspection: LONE STAR STEEL COMPANY

Issued

Jan 25, 1993

Abate by

Jan 28, 1993

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 employees were
exposed to:
a.   Location:  Lone Star Steel Company, Lone Star, Texas.  The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which
was free from the recognized hazard of a potentially oxygen deficient
atmosphere or inhalation of toxic gases or vapors in a confined
space.  On or about September 29, 1992, two (2) employees were
overcome when they entered annealing furnance number 4's cooling zone
for repairs, recognized safe work procedures for entry and work in
a confined space was not implemented.  Such procedures should include
but are not limited to:
1.   Conducting testing of work environments for oxygen, carbon
monoxide, vapors or gases prior to entry.
2.   Ventilation of the space using local exhaust ventilation
before and during entry.
3.   Locking out blanking or disconnecting and securing all
sources of supply piping into confined space.
4.   Training of all employees involved in operations to insure
adherence of safe practices and emergency procedures.
5.   Verification of implementation of safe work practices
through issuance of an entry permit by a competent person.

Issued

Jan 25, 1993

Abate by

Jan 28, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000