OSHA Inspection: CIBA PHARMACEUTICALS

Issued

Jul 28, 1995

Abate by

Aug 30, 1995

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: On or
about 3/16/95, 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 death from
asphyxiation while
working around a nitrogen-inerted process vessel:
a- Building R1, Reactor XR30 - The employer did not ensure that process
technicians
were thoroughly trained and demonstrated proficiency in the following
subjects:
1- The hazards of working around nitrogen-inerted vessels with open
manholes.
2- The correct method of hand-charging powders into process vessels, in
order
to preclude the dropping of objects, such as plastic drum liners, into the
vessels.
Among other methods, one feasible abatement method to correct the hazard
is to ensure
that:
1- Process technicians are re-trained and can demonstrate proficiency in
the
following areas:
a- The hazards of working around nitrogen-inerted vessels with open
manholes.
b- The correct method of hand charging powders into process vessels.
2- Incorporation of 1a and 1b into the master chemical operating procedures
(MCOP).  The hazards and precautions associated with nitrogen-inerted
vessels
could be included in the "Safety Information" section of the operating
procedures.
The specific charging methods could be written into the "Directions"
section of
the MCOP.
Condition noted on or about March 16, 1995.