OSHA Inspection: LIGHTNING ELECTRIC COMPANY

Issued

Mar 29, 1989

Abate by

Apr 28, 1989

Penalty

Initial $630 · Current $600 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
confined space hazards of oxygen deficiency, fire/explosion hazard, and/
or toxic air contaminants:
a) On or about 2/8/89, employee was required to enter and work in
electrical manhole #5, located at the southeast corner of building
under construction. Employee was measuring for preparation of pulling
cable while active garbage baling operations required forklifts and
construction activities required vehicles, including a cement truck
delivering cement, to be operating in area.
b) On or about 2/9/89, employee was required to enter and work in
electrical manhole #5 and second employee in manhole #4a, located
approximately 200 feet north.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to implement confined space entry procedures as
required in ANSI Z117.1-1977.
1) Pre-entry and periodic continuous testing of the atmosphere for
sufficient oxygen content and the presence of hazardous air
contaminants, flammable and/or toxic gases, vapors or fumes,
determined by conditions anticipated and by nature of work to be
performed.
2) Any person entering a confined space must be fitted with a safety
harness and a lifeline and the lifeline must be secured outside the
entrance.
3) A standby observer shall be available at the entrance and in sight
of the person inside at all times. This person shall be equipped with
proper safety equipment and adequate means of communication equipment
to summon help in an emergency.
4) Self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied air respirators must
be available at the entrance and these devices must be used if
testing reveals a hazardous atmosphere in the confined space.
5) Where entry into the confined space is through the top opening, a
hoisting device or other effective means must be provided to lift
employees out of the space in emergency situations.
6) A system for positive ventilation shall be provided prior to and
during the entire entry period through the use of fans, porto-vents,
air movers or by adequate natural drafts.

Issued

Mar 29, 1989

Abate by

Apr 15, 1989

Penalty

Initial $270

Issued

Mar 29, 1989

Abate by

Apr 15, 1989

Penalty

Initial $360 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Mar 29, 1989

Abate by

Apr 15, 1989

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Mar 28, 1989

Abate by

Apr 5, 1989

Issued

Mar 28, 1989

Abate by

Apr 5, 1989