OSHA Inspection: FARNER TUNNELING, INC.

Issued

Oct 2, 1991

Abate by

Oct 5, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 17(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and
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:
(a) On or about September 5, 1991, employees were exposed to the
hazards of oxygen deficiency and/or toxic or flammable substances,
and other hazards within the confined space of a 23.5 inch diameter,
50 foot long horizontal underground pipeline at the job site on Five
Forks Trickum & Oleander Drive Gwinnett County.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is a confined space program such as the
following:
1) Identification and evaluation of the hazards of each confined space
and establishment and implementation of a permit system to
systematically review and control these hazards. Whenever feasible
use work practices which do not require entering confined spaces.
2) Providing adequate training for all persons involved in confined
space activities and providing a trained attendant stationed outside
the confined space.
3) Ventilation of confined spaces to remove atomspheric contaminants
and to maintain acceptable oxygen levels.
4) Testing for hazardous atmospheres by a qualified person before
entry into a confined space.
5) Evaluation of each entry and exit point so that;
(a) Safe entry snd exit means can be provided.
(b) Unauthorized entry can be prevented through training, signs,
barriers, etc;
(c) Protection can be provided to entrants from internal hazards
such as water, hazardous materials, energy sources, etc; and
(d) Protection can be provided to entrants from external hazards.
6) Determination by a qualified person of personal protective
equipment, and retrieval equipment that may be needed by all personnel
entering a confined space, and appropriate usage of proper equipment.
7) Posting of signs near each confined space to warn of the hazards.
8) Establishment of an emergency response plan with provisions for
timely rescue in case of emergency.
9) Determination of medical suitability for persons involved in
confined space activities.
10) Ensuring that any other employees such as outside contractors
are provided information on the hazards of the confined space.

Issued

Oct 2, 1991

Abate by

Nov 7, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Oct 2, 1991

Abate by

Nov 7, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced