OSHA Inspection: RHINO CONSTRUCTION INC.

Issued

May 2, 1996

Abate by

May 6, 1996

Penalty

Initial $21,000 · Current $21,000

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
asphyxiation/toxic atmosphere hazards in a confined space:
(a) 911th TAC Airlift Group/SEG, Pittsburgh International Airport,
Coraopolis, PA., Manhole
#34 on 11/08/95:  The following procedures were not implemented by the
employer for entering
and working in sanitary sewers:
(1)The employer did not designate the workplace at manhole #34 on 11/08/95
as a permit
required confined space.
(2)The employer did not implement measures to prevent unauthorized entry
into the
confined space.
(3)The employer did not complete a confined space entry permit prior to
employee entry on
11/08/95.
(4)The employer did not conduct atmospheric testing for oxygen,
combustible gas/vapors
including methane, and hydrogen sulfide in the confined space prior to
employeeentry on 11/08/95.
(5)The employer did not utilize ventilation equipment to ensure a safe
atmosphere prior to
entry and while work was in progress.
(6)The employer did not make proper arrangements with the local rescue
company to
facilitate emergency procedures if necessary at the confined space.
A reasonable and effective method to abate this hazard, among others,
would be:
1.)Utilize the confined space entry procedures provided to the contractor
by the U.S. Air
Force base safety personnel.