OSHA Inspection: RAPID SEWER CLEANERS

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 2, 1991

Penalty

Initial $525 · Current $525

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not furnish employment and an 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
expoed to the hazard of the physiological effect inhalation of a toxic
substance, to asphyxiation, and to fire and or explosion during entry
or work into a confined space situation.  Employees were required to
enter sepic tank to unclog over flow pipe.  Employees could suffer death
due to oxygen defiency (anoxia) and severe burns should a fire or
explosion result among other hazards, with in uncontrolled confined
spaces.  Employees can also be injured during improper rescue procedures.
Among aother methods, one feasible and acceptabled abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure
which includes, but is not limited, the following items:
1.  Instructions as to the nature of t he hazards involved and
necessary precautions to be taken relat ive to confined
space entry.
2.  Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to
pits, tanks, vessels or other confined space areas which may
be entered.
3.  Use of cleaning, purging  and ventilating procedures to remove
sludge and other residue prior to confined space entry.
4.  Implementation of established lockout and isolation procedures,
where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior
to confined space entry.
5.  Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence
of hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency
prior to entry into the confined space.
6.  Where it has been determined that the confined splace contains
a hazardous air contaminant level and/or an oxygen deficiency,
use of mechanically-induced ventilation in the confined space
before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory
protective equipment which provaides adequate protection against
the hazard(s) encountered.
7.  Use of appropriate  protective clothing, where applicable.
8.  Provisions for a standby observer located outside the confined
space and a means of communication with the worker inside the
confined space and a means of obtaining immediately help in an
emergency.
9.  Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement
and a self-contained breathing apparatus certified by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
10.  Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined
space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.
11.  Fellow procedures in ANSI Z117.1-1989

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 2, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 2, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 16, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 16, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Dec 16, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Nov 18, 1991

Issued

Nov 15, 1991

Abate by

Nov 18, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,050 Reduced