OSHA Inspection: P.T. FERRO CONSTRUCTION CO.

Issued

Jul 31, 1995

Abate by

Aug 3, 1995

Penalty

Initial $3,250 · Current $3,250

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not furnish employment and/or 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 the
hazards of oxygen deficiency and/or flammable and/or toxic atmospheres
inside
a communications manhole:
a.  On or about June 16, 1995, an employee was exposed to the hazards
associated with improper confined space entry while working in
communication
manhole number nine.
Prior to entry, a confined space entry procedure was not implemented, ie;
an
employee did not test the air, did not use continuous ventilation and did
not
have functioning atmospheric testing equipment.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct
these hazards is to establish, implement and enforce an adequate confined
space entry program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1989, American
National Standard Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces.  Such a program
shall include, as a minimum, 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 that necessary measures have been
taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
3.  Blinding, blocking, bleeding, purging, lockout or any other steps
necessary to reduce to and ensure zero mechanical and thermal state all
mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, liquid and gas systems
relating
to the confined space that may create a hazard to employees during entry or
while working in the confined space should any of these systems be put in
motion or otherwise activated.
4.  Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued
ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as
described in (2) above.
5.  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5) and absence of
hazardous levels or toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
6.  Emergency rescue procedures with requirement that trained personnel are
available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper
equipment
to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space as determined
necessary as described in (2) above.  Such equipment must include safety
harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from the
confined space.  If entry is required for a rescue, the rescuing employee
must
be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.7.  Training of any and all
employees required to entre the confined spaces
and all employees required to standby for rescue.  This training shall
include
procedures required prior to entry, during occupation of the confined
space,
procedures for safe rescue of employees in the confined space and the
hazards
associated with work in confined spaces.