OSHA Inspection: RBM ENVIRONMENTAL & CONSTRUCTION INC.

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $195 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 of likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to
the hazards of toxic, flammable, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres while
cleaning the insides of hydrocarbon storage tanks:
Employees entered a kerosene tank, containing petroleum distilaltes
(naptha) and stoddard solvent for the purpose of cleaning it and a
confined space entry procedure was not established.
Among other method, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and enforce a confined space entry
program. Essential elements of a confined space entry program include,
but are not limited to:
1) Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at least
one supervisor prior to confined space entry. (Confined space entry
permit). The permit must indicate special precautions and time period
for which it is valid.
2) Ensure the lock-out, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical,
electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space
that may create a hazard during entry should these systems be put
in motion or otherwise activated.
3) Test the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and on a
regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases. When
toxic substances are present for which no equipment to test the
atmosphere are available, the employees shall be permitted to enter
the confined space only with the use of air supplied respirator
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
4) Establish a tagout system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry
should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry. Marking to
remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5) Ventilate the confined space prior to entry and continue ventilation
during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6) Establish written emergency procedures with a requirement that
trained personnel are available and are stationed outside of the
confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of
persons entering the space. Such equipment must include safety
harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from
the confined space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescue
employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
7) Effective means of communication must be maintained between rescue
personnel and employees in the confined space at all times.
8) Confined space entry procedures shall be written and the responsible
employees shall be trained in all aspects of the procedures.

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $195 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Oct 18, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $195 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $472 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 7, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $466 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $466 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $466 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Oct 24, 1989

Penalty

Initial $100 · Current $45 Reduced

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Nov 17, 1989

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Oct 24, 1989

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Apr 13, 1990

Issued

Oct 12, 1989

Abate by

Apr 13, 1990