OSHA Inspection: CFM ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 17, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 17, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 17, 1991

Penalty

Initial $8,000 · Current $4,000 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
the hazard of death from asphyxiation in confined spaces of explosion
from insufficient oxygen or combustible vapors, respectively:
a) CFM Environmental Services, Pequest Facility - Employees are required
to enter wet wells, dry wells and manholes regularly. Wet well entry
is performed daily in order to inspect and clean bar screens. Dry
well entry is performed 3 to 4 times per week. These wells contain
pumps and valves which need to be inspected and serviced. Also, when
blockages occur in the sewer mains lead to the plant, employees may
be required to enter any one of approximately 300 manholes. The
above-mentioned confined spaces may vary in depth and dimension from
5 ft. deep and 5 ft. in diameter to over 25 ft. deep and 8 ft.
diameter. The only means of egress into these confined space areas
were through openings ranging in size from 2 ft. x 2 ft. for the wet
well openings to 4 ft. diameter for the dry wells. The employer did
not evaluate the hazard of the confined space. The employer did not
establish a written permit system, to certify that all hazards have
been evaluated. The employer did not provide training to employees so
that they can work safely in the confined space area. The employer
did not provide, maintain or ensure the proper use of the equipment
necessary for safe entry, including testing, monitoring and personal
protective equipment. The employer did not ensure that all procedures
and equipment were implemented and provided.
Condition noted on or about 12/10/90.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure
which includes, but is not limited to, the following items:
1) Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved
and necessary precaution to be taken relative to confined space
entry.
2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to wet
wells, dry wells and sewers.
3) Issuing a proper entry permit prior to confined space entry to
ensure that all hazards have been evaluated.
4) Conduct atmospheric testing of wet wells, dry wells, and sewers to
determine potential oxygen deficiency and the presence of air
contaminants.
5) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains a
hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen
deficiency, use of mechanically-induced ventilation in the confined
space before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory
protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the
hazards encountered.
6) Provisions and procedures for a standby observer, located outside the
confined space area, and readily available standby equipment
consisting of a safety line and harness, which the employee in the
confined space is wearing.
7) Ensure that employees entering the confined space and attendants are
properly trained. Training should include, but not be limited to:
hazard recognition, communication, protective equipment and rescue.
REFERENCES:
1) NIOSH Publication 80-106 - Working in Confined Spaces.
2) ANSI Z117.1-1-1989 - Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and
Other Confined Spaces.

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $100 · Current $50 Reduced

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

May 1, 1991

Issued

Apr 17, 1991

Abate by

Apr 24, 1991