OSHA Inspection: T & S UTILITIES, INC.

Issued

Mar 31, 1993

Abate by

Apr 6, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,000

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 in that employees were
exposed to the hazard of atmospheric contamination by toxic or
falmmable
vapors, or oxygen deficiency, during entry or while working in a
confined space:
a)  The employer did not have a written confined space
procedure where employees were allowed to enter manholes at
a pump station under construction to remove mud which had
seeped in, where no testing had been done to determine the
presence of atmospheric contamination and/or oxygen deficiency,
on or about February 8, 1993.  The manhole measured
approximately 12 feet deep and 4 feet in diameter accessed
via portable ladder through a 22 inch opening.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement
method to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space
entry program which includes, but is not limited to, the
following items:
1.  Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards
involved and the necessary precautions to be taken relative
to the confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.
2.  Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the
presence of hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen
deficiency and flammable/explosive atmosphere prior to and
during entry to the pump station (confined spaces) and as
needed prior to re-entry.
3.  Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of the
equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing,
monitoring, communication and personal protective equipment.
4.  Provisions and procedures for standby observer located
outside the confined space and readily available emergency
standby equipment consisting of a safety line and harness
arrangement and a self-contained breathing apparatus certified
by NIOSH.

Issued

Mar 31, 1993

Abate by

Apr 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $800