OSHA Inspection: INDUSTRIAL FABRICATION & ERECTION

Issued

Feb 4, 1992

Abate by

Mar 9, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $800 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)  Procedures were inadequate for entering and cleaning
of the sluiceway between the scarfer and the smoke
chest at the 44 inch slab mill.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable
abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop
a confined space entry program that incorporates the
following items as requirements for a Class C confined
space entry program:
1.   Employees and supervisors were not trained in safe
confined spaces entry (C.S.E.) procedures.
2.   C.S.E. procedures did not include the use of a permit
systems, with management "sign-off" (authorization)
and hazard/control checklist.
3.   C.S.E. procedures did not include provisions for
testing for oxygen and combustible gas/vapor levels,
or monitoring the air for toxic materials (initial
testing only).
4.   Warning labels and safety instructional signs were
not posted in the area of C.S.E. work.
5.   Employees who enter this area were not provided with
safety belts.
6.   There was no self contained breathing apparatus
immediately available for C.S.E. emergency, nor was
there an emergency rescue plan and equipment.
7.   There was no initial plan for C.S.E. work.
8.   There were no communications/observation for the
C.S.E. work.
9.   There were no written work procedures for the C.S.E.
work.
The following items are to be requirements of the company's
Class C confined space entry program if the company's
qualified person determines that they are needed:
1.   Atmospheric monitoring of the C.S.E. while an
employee is working in the C.S.
2.   Any special cleaning processes prior to entry of
the C.S.
3.   Safety equipment and clothing such as head, hearing,
hand, foot, body protection for the employees who
do the C.S. work.
4.   There were no provision for medical surveillance of
personnel performing C.S.E. work.
5.   Preparation for C.S.E. work did not include provisions
to assure that  ventilation was adequate, electrical
equipment was safe, or that work practices were proper
(special equipment or tools).
6.   There were no provisions for a standby person.

Issued

Feb 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $800 Reduced

Issued

Feb 4, 1992

Abate by

Apr 24, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $800 Reduced

Issued

Feb 4, 1992

Abate by

Apr 24, 1992

Issued

Feb 4, 1992

Abate by

Feb 10, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $800 Reduced