OSHA Inspection: N R G TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED

Issued

Aug 1, 1991

Abate by

Oct 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 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 were
exposed to the hazard of excessive airborne concentrations of chemical
vapors and/or asphyxiation when working in confined spaces where
ambient atmospheric concentrations/conditions are unknown, such as
the two wet sludge tanks, the dry tank, and the kiln.  Employees were
required to enter these areas to perform maintenance and repair work.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate plant
Confined Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI
Z117.1-1977, Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and Other
Confined Spaces.  Such a program shall include, as a minimum, the
following elements:
1. Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilations,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2.  The completion and posting of a warning sign and aconfined 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 designated by the employer, and necessary protective
measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
3.  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.
4.  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and
on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% to 25%)
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or
vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above.
5.  Emergency rescue procedures with a 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 rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment.  Note:  Under no circumstances is the standby
person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate
assistance is present.
6.  Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces.  This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and hazards associated with work in confined spaces.

Issued

Aug 1, 1991

Abate by

Sep 3, 1991

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $300

Issued

Aug 1, 1991

Abate by

Sep 3, 1991

Issued

Aug 1, 1991

Abate by

Aug 15, 1991

Hazardous substances 8111