OSHA Inspection: NOLTINA CRUCIBLE REFACTORY CORP.

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,750 · Current $1,050 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 enter gas
fired walk in type Kilns ( confined spaces) to load /unload crucibles
resulting in exposure to potential toxic and oxygen deficient
atmospheres Noltina Crucible & refractory Corp.
(a) employees who enter gas fired Kilns were exposed to a
potentially toxic and/or oxygen deficient atmosphere in that
atmospheric testing was not performed, a permit system was not
performed,a permit system was not developed and a confined space
entry program was not implemented, July 9, 1991.
Among other methods, one feasilbe and acceptable method to correct
this hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry program
consisting of at least the folowing:
1.  Implementation of confined space entry permit procedures which
lists the precautions to be taken.
The following "checklist" or precaution should be included on the
entry permit:  hazard(s) identified; testing and emergency pro-
cedures established; electrical equipment de-energized and locked-
out; contaminants diluted by purging or ventilation; lifelines and
safety belts utilized, and rescue equipment in place and tested.
2.  Conduct atmosphere monitoring and testing prior to entry and
during the time period that work is being performed in the con-
fined space.  testing shall be for oxygen content and toxic
substance concentrations.
3.   Attach a safety belt and lifeline to the employee entering
the confined space.
4.   Provided a trained standby employe outside of the tanks to
maintain communication with the confined space workers, un-
obstructed lifelines, and procedures for obtaining immediate help
in the event of an emergency. Rescuers should be instructed and
drilled in rescue procedures.  Rescuers should be informed not to
enter the confined area unless other are standing by in the event
that additional help is required.  The rescuer should be equipped
with proper personal protective equipment including a lifeline and
safety belt.
5.   Instruct employees as to the nature of the hazards involved
and the necessary precautions to be taken in regard to entry into
the Kilns.  Employees should be trained with emphasis on the
hazards associated  with their work, the proper entry procedures
to be followed and the required personal protective eqipment
needed when entry is made.  Rescuers should be trained in artific-
ial respiration techniques and basic first-aid procedures.
6.   Provide sufficient exhaust ventilation to keep the concentra-
tion of toxic substances in the Kilns to within permissible
exposure limits and ensure that ventilation exhaust ducts dis-
charge clear of working areas.
7.   Provide readily available emergency standby equipment con-
sisting of a safety line and/or harness of sufficient length and
where the internal atmosphere is oxygen deficient or contains
toxic gases, a self-contained breating apparatus or a supplied-air
respirator should be utilized by the employee entering the con-
fined space and one available for rescue.
8.   All entrances to confined spaces should be posted: "Danger,
confined space, entry by permit only"

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Dec 26, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $900 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 30, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $450 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 3, 1992

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $360 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 3, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 3, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $360 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $600 · Current $360 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $630 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $630 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $630 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $630 Reduced

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Feb 15, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Issued

Dec 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 13, 1992

Issued

Dec 5, 1991

Abate by

Jan 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $270 Reduced

Issued

Oct 23, 1991

Abate by

Jan 6, 1992

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $180 Reduced