OSHA Inspection: DOCK RESINS CORPORPORATION

Issued

Feb 21, 1992

Abate by

Jul 24, 1992

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:
On or about 11/7/91, 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 hazards of asphyxiation and/or
explosion during entry and working in confined space situations:
a- On or about 11/7/91, employees are required to enter kettles
and other confined space areas to carry out cleaning and
inspection procedures, as well as welding repairs.  There are
six (6) different reaction kettles and two (2) limited entry
basements under kettles 4 and 5 respectively.  The entry into
the kettles is through 18" manholes.  The entry into the
basements are by means of narrow floor openings from the floor
above.
Kettle entry is required when welding, cleaning and inspections
are to be doen.  Entry into the basements is required on a daily
basis so as to make valve changes, take samples, etc.  The
valves are at the bottom of kettles 4 and 5.
The confined spaced entry procedures of the company are
deficient in that:
1- The employer did not completely evaluate the hazard of
confined spaces.
2- The employer did not establish a written permit system, to
certifdy that all hazards have been evaluated.
3- The emloyer did not provide adequate training to employees
so that they can work safely inthe confined space areas.
4- The employer did not provide, maintain or ensure the proper
use of the equipment necessary for safe entry.
5- There was no rescue equipment provided the standby
personnel.
Condition noted on or about 11/7/91.
Among other methods, one feasible and accetpable method to
correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry
procedure which includes, but is not limited to, the following
items:
1- Provide instruction and training as to the nature of the
hazards involved and hte necessary rpecautions to be taken
relative to confined space entry.
2- Post written confined space entry procedures adjacent to
all vessel or basement entry ports.
3- Issue a proper entry permit prior to confined space entry
to ensure that all hazards have been evaluated.
4- Conduct atmospheric testing to determine protential 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 venmtilation in the
confined space before entry and during occupancy and/or use
of respiratory protective equipment, which provides adequate
protection against the hazards involved, shall be provided.
6- Provisions for a standby observer, located outside the
confined space area, and readily available standby equipment,
consisting of a safety line, ahrness and appropriate
self-contained respiratory equipment.
7- Hot work or the use of an open flame shall not be begun
within a confined space until an appropriate entry permit had
been issued.