OSHA Inspection: ST. JOE RESOURCES COMPANY

Issued

Oct 8, 1985

Abate by

Oct 26, 1986

Penalty

Initial $10,000 · Current $1,000 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:
a) Inadequate procedures for entering and working in a confined space
exposed employees to the hazards of oxygen deficiency, carbon
monoxide, explosion and fire up entering the #1 condenser located
in the zinc dust department.  The procedures were inadequate for the
following reasons:
1) The atmosphere of the condenser was not tested for oxygen content and
flammability prior to initial entry into the confined space.
2) No provisions were made for continuous monitoring while employees
were inside the condenser.
3) The MSA Universal sampling pump, used for carbon monoxide testing was
not leak tested or calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's
instruction.
4) Preparation for entry into the condenser did not include provisions
to assure that ventilation was adequate or the work practices were
proper.
5) Lifelines and harnesses were not used nor was such equipment
immediately available.
6) Self-contained breathing apparatus were not immediately available at
the condenser.
7) Employees and supervisors were not trained in the health and safety
hazards associated with confined space work and were unfamiliar with
proper entry and rescue techniques.
8) There were no provisions for medical surveillance of personnel
performing confined space entry work.
9) Confined space entry procedures did not include the use of a permit
system with management "sign - off" (authorization) and hazard/
controls.

Issued

Oct 8, 1985

Abate by

Oct 26, 1986

Penalty

Initial $10,000 · Current $9,000 Reduced

Issued

Oct 8, 1985

Abate by

Oct 26, 1986

Issued

Oct 8, 1985

Abate by

Oct 26, 1986

Issued

Oct 8, 1985

Abate by

Oct 26, 1986