OSHA Inspection: COLLINS 5, INC.

Issued

Jul 19, 1991

Abate by

Aug 24, 1991

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $600

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
toxic and potentially oxygen deficient atmospheres during entry into
confined spaces:
a) B.C. Hauling Co., motor barge #31, forward, starboard holding tank.
Employees enter confined space tanks containing decomposing clam
entrails without conducting pre-entry atmospheric testing.
Decomposing clam entrails generate ammonia gas and potential oxygen
deficient atmospheres.
ABATEMENT NOTE: One feasible and acceptable method of abatement to
correct this hazard is to implement and utilize a confined space entry
program which include at least the following essential elements:
1) Instructions as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary
precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry.
2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks,
vessels or other confined space area which may be entered.
3) Use of cleaning, purging and ventilation procedures to remove slude
and other residue prior to confined space entry.
4) Implementation of established lockout and isolation procedures, other
applicable and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to confined
space entry.
5) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of
hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency prior to
entry into the confined space.
6) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains
hazardous air contaminant level and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of
mechanically induced ventialtion in the confined space before entry
and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory protective equipment
which provides adequate protection against the hazard(s) encountered.
7) Use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment, including
safety harnesses and safety lines.
8) Provisions for a safety observer located outside the confined space
and a means of communication with the worker inside the confined
space and a means of obtaining immediate help in an emergency.
9) Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety lines and harness arrangement and
self-contained breathing apparatus certified by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
10) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined
space entry, rescue and first aid procedures.