OSHA Inspection: GOEX INC

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

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 entered a limited egress/confined
space area without testing for oxygen deficiency and/or the presence
at hazardous gases:
(a)  Boex, inc., Belin Plant, Pulverize Mill - employees
enter the four horizontal barrels approximately 7 feet deep
by 7 feet in diameter through a 12 inch by 16 inch (approximate)
opening to clean out charcoal or do maintenance work.  A test for
oxygen deficiency and for the presence of harmful gas was not done
prior to entry, on or about May 25, 1991.
(b)  boex, inc., Belin Plant Horizontal Charcoal Screw Conveyor,
Pulverize Mill - employees were required (daily) to enter the
barrel hopper/screw
conveyor housing through a 16 inch wide by 24 inch
high opening and travel across the conveyor, around barrels
with limited egress to grease fittings for a distance of
approximately 35 feet.  employees also enter periodically to clean
dust from around the conveyor.  Testing was not conducted for a
deficient oxygen atmosphere or for the presence of harmfull gas, on
or about May 15, 1991.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO CORRECT
THIS HAZARD IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM
CONSISTING OF AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING:
1.  Implementation of confined space entry permit procedures which
lists the precautions to be taken.  The following "checklist" or
precautions should be included on the entry permit:  hazard(s)
indentified; testing and emergency procedures established;
electrical equipment de-energized and locked-out;
contaminants diluted by purging or ventilations;
lifelines and safety belts utilized, and rescue equipment in place
and tested.
2.  Conduct atmosphere monitoring and testing prior to entry
and during the time period that work is being performed in the
vessel.  Testing shall be for oxygen content and toxic substance
concentrations.
3.  Attach a safety belt and lifeline to the employee entering the
confined space.
4.  Provide a trained standby employee outside of the vessel to
maintain communication with the confined space workers,
unobstructed
lifelines, and procedures for obtaining immediate help
in the event of an emergency.  Rescuers should be instructed and
drilled in rescue procedures.  Rescuers should be informed not to
enter the confined area unless others are standing by in the event
that the additional help is required.  The rescuer should be
equipped with proper personal protective equipment including a
lifeline
and safety belt.
5.  Instruct employees as to the nature of the hazards involved
and the necessary precautions to be taken in regard to entry into
vessel.  Employees should be trained with emphasis on the hazards
associated with their work, the proper entry procedures to be
followed and the required personal protective equipment needed when
entry is made.  Rescuers should be trained in artificial respiration
techniques and basic first-aid procedures.
6.  Provide sufficient exhaust ventilation to keep the concentration
of toxic substances in the vessel to within permissible exposure
limits and ensure that ventilation exhaust ducts discharge clear of
working areas.
7.  Provide readily available emergency standby equipment consisting
of a safety line and/or harness of sufficient length and where the
internal atmosphere is oxygen deficient or contains toxic gases, a
self-contained breathing apparatus or a supplied-air respirator
should be utilized by the employee entering the confined space and
oen available for rescue.
8.  All entrances to confined spaces should be posted:
"Danger, confined space, entry by permit only".

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Nov 18, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Nov 18, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Dec 13, 1991

Penalty

Initial $35,000 · Current $35,000

Issued

Nov 13, 1991

Abate by

Nov 18, 1991