OSHA Inspection: MENDOTA AGRI-PRODUCTS, INC.

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 30, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $800 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 hazards of working in a confined space:
Employee(s) climb in through setting tank manholes to check and
reset gauges, perform maintenance and for cleaning purposes.
The employee(s) are exposed to the hazard of oxygen deficiency.
A warning sign was not posted, atmospheric testing was not
performed, rescue procedures were not developed nor were
personnel trained in safe confined space entry procedures.
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 117.101977, 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, ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2. The completion and posting of a warning sign and 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 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

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $800 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 25, 1991

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 11, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 11, 1991

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 11, 1991

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 11, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $700 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Nov 8, 1991

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 11, 1991

Issued

Oct 8, 1991

Abate by

Oct 16, 1991