OSHA Inspection: PIPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC.

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Nov 29, 1989

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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 from the hazards associated with
confined space entry:
a) USX Complex , Water Quality Control Catch Basin - Two employees using
a pneumatic jack hammer at a depth of 96 inches to break up sinter in
the water drain and catch basing near the intersection leading to the
river (entry was through a 30 by 60 inch hole in reinforced 10" thick
concrete) and a test for oxygen deficient atmosphere had not been
conducted nor did the employer have a written confined space entry
program, September 13, 1989.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry program (complying
with ANSI Z177.1)
1) Implementation of confined space entry permit procedure which lists
the precautions to be taken. The following "checklist" or precautions
should be included on the entry permit: hazard(s) identified; testing
and emergency procedures established; electrical equipment
de-energized and locked-out; contaminants diluted by purging or
ventilation; lifelines, and safety belts utilized, and rescue
equipment in place and tested.
2) Conduct atmosphere monitoring and testing prior to entry and during
the time period that work is being performed in the vessel. Testing
shall be for oxygen content and toxic substance concentrations.
3) Attach a safety belt and lifeline to the employee entering the
confined space.
4) Provide a trained standby employee outside of the vessel to maintain
communication with the confined space workers, unobstructed linelines
and procedures for obtaining immediate help in the event of an
emergency. Rescuers should be instructed and drilled in rescue
procedures. Rescuers should be informed not to enter the confined
area unless others are standing by in the event that additional help
is required. The rescuer should be equipped with proper personal
protective equipment including a lifeline and safety belt.
5) Instruct employees as to the nature of the hazards involved and the
necessary precautions to be taken in regard to entry into the vessel.
Employees should be trained with emphasis on the hazards associated
with their work, the proper entry procedures to be followed and the
required personal protective equipment needed when entry is made.
Rescuers should be trained in artificial respiration techniques and
basic first-aid procedures.
6) Provide sufficient exhaust ventilation to keep the concentration of
toxic substances in the vessel to within permissible exposure limits
and ensure that ventilation exhaust ducts discharge clear of working
areas.
7) Provide readily available emergency standby equipment consisting of a
safety line and/or harness of sufficient length and where the
internal atmosphere is oxygen deficient of contains toxic gases, a
self-contained breathing apparatus or a supplied-air respirator
should be utilized by the employee entering the conined space and one
available for rescue.
8) All entrances to confined spaces should be posted:  "Danger,
confined space, entry by permit only".

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Nov 29, 1989

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Dec 26, 1989

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Nov 29, 1989

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Nov 29, 1989

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Dec 26, 1989

Issued

Nov 24, 1989

Abate by

Dec 26, 1989