OSHA Inspection: NEW PROCESS TANK SYSTEMS, INC.

Issued

Feb 11, 1992

Abate by

Feb 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Feb 11, 1992

Abate by

Feb 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $250 Reduced

Issued

Feb 11, 1992

Abate by

Feb 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $35,000 · Current $1,000 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 explosion/fire/asphyxiation while working
in confined spaces:
The alleged violations below have been grouped because they involve
similar or related hazards that may increase the potential for injury
resulting from an accident.
Employee entered 6,000 gallon underground gasoline storage tank
(8 feet diameter and 16 feet long) to clean, sandblast and patch
the interior in preparation for relining.  The atmosphere inside
the tank was not properly tested to ensure a safe level of
oxygen and flammable vapors and ventilation system was inadequate
to achieve acceptable levels for employee entry.  The employee
only wore an air line respirator while sandblasting and was not
wearing a safety harness and lifeline at all times.  Entry permit
was not properly completed, adequate lifting device was not
readily available, and standby person was not properly trained
in safe rescue procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method of
abatement is to establish and enforce an adequate Confined Space
Entry Program, such as that stipulated by ANSI Z1117.1 - 1989
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 respirat-
ory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equip-
ment.  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 the hazards associated with work
in confined spaces.

Issued

Feb 11, 1992

Abate by

Feb 18, 1992

Issued

Feb 11, 1992

Abate by

Feb 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $35,000 · Current $1,000 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 explosion/fire due to the ignition of
flammable vapors:
While working in a 42 inches deep excavation on top of an
underground gasoline storage tank, an employee cut an opening
approximately 2-foot square without first ensuring that the
gasoline vapors were below 10% on the LEL.  The tank was not
purged or properly ventilated to prevent ignition and proper
training and adequate testing equipment was not provided.  Lines
leading from the tank to the gasoline pumps were not blocked
to prevent feedback in the event of defective backflow valve(s).
The morning of the second day the employee was unable to
determine the per cent of flammable vapors throughout the tank
due to ineffective testing equipment, proceeded to grind a weld
at the edge of the opening made the preceding day, thereby
igniting vapors built up in the lower level of the tank caused
by bleed back of gasoline due to defective backflow valve(s).
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to:
1. Test for the presence of flammable vapors prior to cutting
and grinding on the exterior of the tank prior to entry.
2. Maintain mechanical ventilation of the tank to retain levels
of flammable vapors below 10% of the LEL.
3. Block any pipe lines that may allow bleedback of flammable
liquids into the tank which could cause immediate build up
of flammable vapors.
4. Train employees in the hazards associated with working in and
around flammable vapors, and the use of atmospheric test
equipment and ventilation equipment.