OSHA Inspection: CHROMALLOY DIVISION-OKLAHOMA

Issued

Oct 13, 1992

Abate by

Dec 18, 1992

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
was free from recognized hazards that were causing or were likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed
to:
An oxygen deficient argon asphyxiating atmosphere immediately dangerous
to life and health in the plant while operaing the #21 Bell Furnace and
during rescue operations at the #21 Bell Furnace pit. Among other methods,
feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard is to
establish and enforce an adequate confined space entry program from sources
such as the 1979 NIOSH criteria document of 1979 Working in Confined
Spaces, and ANSI Z117.1-1979 American National Standard Safety requirements
for working in Tanks and Confined Spaces. Essential elements of the
confined space program would include a permit required confined space
program, a permit system, training and duties of authorized entrants,
training and duties of attendants, training and duties of the individual
authorizing or in charge of entry, rescue teams and special permits for
entry into low-hazard permit spaces. Include among the methods of feasible
and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard would be to
establish a scheduled maintenance program for the oxygen alarm system and
ensuring that the program is implemented. Essential elements of the alarm
system maintenance program would include periodic checks and maintenance
as described in the instruction manual from the manufacturer of the Gastech
alarm system.