OSHA Inspection: CLAY HILL UTILITY CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

Sep 3, 1991

Abate by

Oct 21, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $275 Reduced

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)  On or about August 7, 1991, employees were exposed to the hazards
of oxygen deficiency and/or toxic or flammable substances, drowning,
and other hazards within the confined space of a 23.5 inch diameter,
200 foot long horizontal underground pipeline at the company site on
Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Tilly Mill Road in Dekalb County.
Among other methods, one feasible and accepatable 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 apermit 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 and 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 spaced activities.
10)  Ensuring that any other employees such as outside contractors
are provided information on the ahazards of the confined space.

Issued

Sep 3, 1991

Abate by

Oct 21, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $75 Reduced