OSHA Inspection: GROBER, INC.

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $375 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 asphyxiation/explosion hazard:
a)  Employees enter mixers to clean products off of the
nozzles and equipment.  No confined space entry procedures
were established to protect employees from nitrogen
asphyxiation or whey explosion hazards, on or about
February 25, 1993.
ABATEMENT NOTE:
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to implement and utilize a confined space
entry program which includes at least the following essentials.
1.  Prior to employee entry into confined spaces, employees designated
to perform this task shall be provided with formalized training which
includes information on the nature of the hazards likely to be
encountered during the confined space entry, the symptoms and
consequences of contaminant overexposure and oxygen deficiency,
emergency entry and exit procedures, use of applicable respirators,
first aid, lock out procedures, safety equipment and safe rescue
procedures.  Initial classroom training sessions and rescue training
drills shall be provided at least on an annual basis to develop and
maintain the proficiency of these employees in performing confined
space entry work.  A system for documenting training should also be
established.
2.  A program of atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency, flammable
gases and vapors and other hazardous atmospheric contaminants shall
be implemented and performed by qualified persons who have received
formal training using properly calibrated direct reading oxygen,
combustible gas and toxic gas indicator.  This testing shall be done
adjacent to and throughout the accessible areas of the confined space,
and shall be carried out prior to each entry.  Periodic retesting
while employees are in the space may also be necessary depending on
the nature of the work performed.
3.  Where it has been determined that the confined space contains
hazardous air contaminant(s) and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of
mechanically-induced ventilation is necessary both before entry and
during occupancy.  Appropriate respiratory protection against the
hazard encountered may also be required.
4.  A permit system shall be implemented which provides written
authorization to enter the confined space and documents the location
and type of work to be done, evaluation of existing hazards including
atmospheric test readings, necessary protective equipment and
measures.  The permit shall be dated and carry an expiration time
(usually for one shift only).  The permit shall be posted in a
conspicuous place, close to the entrance, with a copy on file with
the employer.  The permit shall document the implementation of
necessary lockout and isolation procedures utilized to ensure safety
of employees entering the confined space.
5.  Rescue procedures shall be specifically designed for each entry.
There shall be a trained standby person assigned to each entry with
a fully charged, positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) at hand.  Additional duties of the stand-by person are to
maintain unobstructed life lines and communications to any workers
inside the space.  Under no circumstances should the stand-by person
enter the confined space until she/he is relieved and is assured that
adequate assistance is present.  Rescue teams entering the confined
space shall be equipped with all the above mentioned safety equipment
including life lines.
6.  Appropriate safety equipment and clothing, such as respirators,
head, hand, foot and body protection, safety belts, life lines,
harness and lifting devices shall be available as appropriate, for
each entry.
7.  Employees who enter a confined space shall have pre-placement
and periodic physical examinations.  These examinations should place
emphasis on a general evaluation of an employee's ability to carry
out his assigned duties within a confined space.  The examination
should also include an evaluation of the employee's ability to wear
a respirator along with the employee's hearing ability.
8.  Written confined space entry procedures which address entry, exit,
communication/observation procedures, emergency rescue and safe work
practices, shall be posted adjacent to pits, tanks, vessels or other
confined spaces which may be entered.
9.  Signs shall be posted, as a means of employee information, near
permit spaces to notify employees of those hazards which may be
present and service notice that only authorized employees may enter
the confined space.
Starting April 15, 1993, your company must comply with 29 CFR 1910.146
Confined Space Standard.

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $225 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $375 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jun 14, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $525 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

May 14, 1993

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $225 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jun 30, 1993

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $375 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

May 19, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,250 · Current $2,625 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,250 · Current $2,625 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 12, 1993

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9130

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 12, 1993

Hazardous substances 9130

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jul 16, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jun 14, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Jun 14, 1993

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

May 19, 1993

Hazardous substances 9130

Issued

May 11, 1993

Abate by

Aug 13, 1993

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $150 Reduced