OSHA Inspection: GARSITE - TSR

Issued

Sep 17, 1992

Abate by

Nov 6, 1992

Penalty

Initial $2,625 · Current $1,575 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
inadequate confined space entry procedures:
(a)  The employer did not provide the employees involved in confined
space entry of fuel tanks an adequate confined space entry
procedure to protect employees from possible overexposure to
combustible gases and vapors and oxygen deficient atmospheres
while cleaning out excessive fuel and making necessary          r
During such operations employees could potentially be exposed
to the hazard of asphyxiation due to low concentration of
oxygen inside the tanks, illnesses, including but not limited
to nervous system damage, and fire and explosion due to
potential presence of explosive mixture of gases and vapors.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct this hazard is to institute a formal confined space
entry program.  A minimally acceptable confined space entry
procedure consists of the following elements:
1.  Written procedure covering a permit system ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures and employee training.
2.  The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit
which requires authorization and approval in writing that
specifies the location and type of work being done and
certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been
evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective
measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
3.  Mechanically ventilate the confined space prior to entry
and continue ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere when
determined necessary or described in paragraph 2 above.
4.  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry
and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5) and absence of hazardous levels of combustible gases
or vapors when determined necessary or described in paragraph
2 above.
5.  Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined
space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of
persons entering the space or as determined necessary or
described in paragraph 2 above.  Such equipment must include
a safety harness and a lifeline with provisions for removing
employees from the confined space.  If entry is required for
rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved
air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate
personal protective equipment.
6.  Training of any and all employees required to enter
confined spaces.  This training shall include procedures
required for entry and the hazards associated with working in
confined