OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL ENERGY SYSTEMS

Issued

Dec 11, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 oxygen deficiency and/or flammable and toxic atmosphere
inside a gas-fired low-pressure steam boiler.  On or about August 15, 1991,
an employee entered the gas-fired low-pressure steam boiler for the purpose
of cleaning it but the employee was not provided training on the proper
use and limitations of monitoring equipment and the hazards of working
in confine spaces nor was suitable rescue equipment provided.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to establish and maintain a Confined Space Entry Program, a
program shall include, as a minimum, the following elements: such as that
stipulated by ANSI Z1117.1-1985. Safety Requirements for working in Tanks
and Other Confined Spaces. Such a program shall include, as a minimum,
the following elements:
1.  Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilations, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2.  The completion and posting of a connfined 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 and necessary protective
measures have been taken to ensure the safety  of each worker.
3.  Lockout, blocking, stopping and reducing machines to zero mechanical
and thermal state of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems
relating to the confined space that may create a hazard during entry should
these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated.  A worker individual
lock is to be applied and a uniou and situation tag shall be attached to
the lock and energizing controls.
4.  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.
5.  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on
a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of
hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined
necessary as described in (2) above.
6.  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 a rescue,
the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied
respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
7.  Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces.  This training shall include procedures required prior to entry
and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.