OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL SEWER & WATER, INC.

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Oct 1, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $908 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 hazards of working in a confined space:
The alleged violations below have been grouped because they involve
similar or related hazards that may increase the potential for injury
resulting from an accident.
Intersection of Schmale Road and Lake Drive - An employee and a
foreman entered and exited a manhole approximately eight feet
deep, connected to an existing storm sewer line, exposing them to
the hazard of asphyxiation due to the lack of atmospheric testing
prior to entry.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate
Confined Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI
Z1117,,1-1989, American National Standard Safety Requirements for
Confined Spaces.  Such a program shall include, as a minimum, the
following elements:
1. Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation,
atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2. The completion and posting of a warning sign and a confined
space entry permit which requires authorization and approval
in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be
done and certifies that all existing and potential hazards have
been evaluated by a qualified person designated by the
employer,
and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure
the safety of each worker.
3. Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry
and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when
determined necessary as described in (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
to 25) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible
gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (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 as determined necessary as described
in (2) above.  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 rescuing
employee must be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory
equipment and other appropriate personal protective
equipment.
NOTE: Under circumstances is the standby person to enter
the confined space until assured adequate assistance is
present.
%%
6. Training of any and all employees required to enter the
confined
space.  This training shall include procedures required
prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined
spaces.

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Oct 1, 1993

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Sep 3, 1993

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $550 Reduced

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Sep 3, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,200

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Sep 3, 1993

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,292 Reduced

Issued

Aug 30, 1993

Abate by

Sep 2, 1993

Penalty

Initial $25,000 · Current $12,500 Reduced