OSHA Inspection: CRIDERS INC.

Issued

Aug 21, 1991

Abate by

Sep 24, 1991

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 in that employees were
exposed to:
(a) Potential hazards of entry into and work within truck tank cars
and three (3) Broath tanks confined spaces including, but not limited
to atmospheric oxygen deficiency or enrichment flammable or
combustible vapors on materials, and toxic chemicals. Involved
employees did not have the benefit of a company issued entry permit
which defines the conditions under which the permit space may be
entered; states the reason(s) for entering the space; and the
anticipated hazards of the entry and work inside of the Broath tanks
and the tank cars. The confined spaces were not adequately evaluated
prior to worker entry. No tests made for oxygen hazardous chemicals
or combustible. Ways the company may improve and correct its confined
space program includes but are not limited to the following:
1) Hazard identification. Identify and evaluate each hazard of the
permit spaces, including determination of severity.
2) Hazard control. Establish and implement the means, procedures and
practices by which the permit spaces can be entered safely.
3) Permit system. Establish a written permit system for the proper
preparation, issuance and implementation of entry permits.
4) Employee Information. Signs shall be posted near permit spaces
to notify employees what hazards may be present and that only
authorized entrants may enter the permit spaces.
5) Prevention of unauthorized entry. Prevent unauthorized employee
entry through such measures as training or by posting signs and
barriers, as necessary.
6) Employee Training. Train employees, as provided by this standard,
so that attendants, authorized entrants and personnel authorizing
or in charge of entry can work safely in and around the permit space.
7) Equipment. Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of the
equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing, monitoring
communication and personal protective equipment.
8) Rescue. Ensure that the procedures and equipment necessary to
rescue entrants from permit spaces are implemented and provided.
9) Protection from external hazards. Ensure that all pedestrian,
vehicle or other barriers necessary to protect entrants from external
hazards are provided.
10) Duty to other employers. Ensure that, when an employer, such as
a contractor, plans to send employees into a permit space which is
under the control of another employer (host employer), the host
employer provided the contractor with all available information on
permit space hazards; on efforts to comply with this standard; and
on any other workplace hazards, safety rules and emergency procedures
of which the contractor needs to be aware in order to comply with
this standard.
11) Check for permissible heat exposure.

Issued

Aug 21, 1991

Abate by

Sep 24, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $1,125

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:
(a) Excessive heat in the cook room. For a work-rest regimen of 50%
work-50% rest each hour, the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists permissible heat exposure threshold limit is 89
degrees F Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGT) for a light work
load.  Readings taken on 7-16-91 indicated an average valve of 91
degrees F WBGT. This is 2 degrees F WBGT above the standard. Ways
the company may prevent heat stress include but are not limited to
the following:
1. Acclimatization to the heat through short exposures followed by
longer periods of work in the hot environment can reduce heat stress.
New employees and workers returning from an absence of two weeks or
more should have a 5-dey period of acclimatization. This period should
begin with 50 percent of the normal workload and normal work time the
first day and gradually build up to 100 percent on the fifth day.
2. A variety of engineering controls including general ventilation
and spot cooling by local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat
production may be helpful. Shielding is required as proteection from
radiant heat sources. Evaporative cooling and mechanical refrigeration
are other ways to reduce heat. Cooling fans can also reduce heat in
hot conditions. Eliminating steam leaks will also help. Equipment
modifications, the use of power tools to reduce manual labor and using
personal cooling devices or protective clothing are other ways to
reduce heat exposure for workers.
3. Work practices such as providing a period of acclimatization for
new workers and those returning from two week absences and making
plenty of drinking water--as much as a quart per worker per
hour--available at the workplace can help reduce the risk of
heat disorders. Training first aid workers to recognize and treat
heat stress disorders and making the names of trained staff known
to all workers is essential. Employers should also consider individual
workers' physical conditions when determining their fitness for
working in hot environments. Older workers, obese workers and
personnel on some types of medication are at greater risk.
4. Alternating work and rest periods with longer rest periods in a
cool area can help workers avoid heat stress. If possible, heavy work
should be scheduled during the cooler parts of the day and appropriate
protective clothing  provided. Supervisors should be trained to detect
early signs of heat strain and should permit workers to interrupt
their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.
5. Employee education is vital so that workers are aware of the need
to replace fluids and salt lost through sweat and can recognize
dehydration, exhaustion, fainting, heat cramps, salt deficiency, heat
exhaustion and heat stroke as heat disorders. Workers should also
be informed of the importance of daily weighing before and after work
to avoid dehydration.

Issued

Aug 21, 1991

Abate by

Sep 23, 1991