OSHA Inspection: ALFA RESOURCES & RECOVERY, INC.

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Jun 11, 1992

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 physical hazards associated with improper entry into
confined spaces:
a)  A confined space entry program was not implemented for
protection of employees who enter the mixing chamber of
the Kelly Duplex horizontal mixer for the purpose of
cleaning out any residual product remaining in the mixer
not expelled during normal operation.  Cleaning operation
last conducted on or about February 3, 1992.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is to implement and enforce a confined space
entry program including, at a minimum, mandatory provisions for:
1.  Implementation of lock-out procedures prior to confined
space entry.
2.  Assuring safe access to the entrance port at the top
of the vessel via fixed stairs on fixed or portable
ladders in the event of ladder use (fixed or portable) a
safe clearance of at least 36" shall be maintained on the
climbing side from the centerline of the of the rungs to
the nearest permanent object.
3.  Assuring safe access to interior of the vessel, such
as through use of ladders or equivalent means.
4.  Porting of written confined space entry procedures
adjacent to confined spaces which may be entered.
5.  Where indicated by the nature of the potential hazards
inside the confined space, such as in the event of
introducing toxic, flammable or upper depleting
materials, etc. for the purpose of maintenance or other
routine tasks, use of atmospheric testing procedures to
determine the presence of toxic air contaminants and
oxygen deficient atmospheres priot to entry.
6.  Use of appropriate protective equipment & clothing where
applicable.
7.  A standby observer located immediately outside the
confined space with a means of communication with the
worker inside the confined space and means of obtaining
immediate help in an emergency.
8.  Procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety line and harness and
suitable respiratory protective equipment approved by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH).
9.  Implementation of periodic training sessions relative
to confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.
10.  Implementation of procedures to evaluate conditions
inside the confined space on a periodic basis and/or
whenever new types of materials are introduced into the
mixer where that material could create or has a known
potential to create a hazardous atmosphere or where that
material contains the potential for engulfment of an
entrant.

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Jun 1, 1992

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Jun 8, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $500 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $350 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 20, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $375 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $150 Reduced

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 14, 1992

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

Apr 20, 1992

Issued

Apr 9, 1992

Abate by

May 11, 1992