OSHA Inspection: INSITUFORM OHIO INC

Issued

Jan 19, 1990

Abate by

Jan 30, 1990

Penalty

Initial $810 · Current $810

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occuaptional 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:
a) Employees were exposed to the hazards of potential oxygen
deficient atmospheres and of an atmosphere contaminated with toxic
and, or combustible gases when entering underground sewer or water
lines to repair ruptured sections. prior to 11/27/89, training on
all aspects of the written confined space program was not conducted
for all employees involved in confined space entry and on 11/27/89
mechanical ventilation of the confined space was not provided prior
to and during the entry into the confined space on Heger Drive. Among
other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is implementation of an effective confined space entry
procedure which requires all persons performing such operations to
be thoroughly trained on all aspects of entry and to provide
mechanical ventilation prior to and during into the confined space.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
1) Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at
least one supervisor prior to confined space entry. (confined space
entry permit). The permit must indicate special precautions and time
period for which it is valid.
2) Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liq-
quid 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.
3) Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and
on a regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen
(19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases
(maximum 10% LEL) or dusts. When toxic substances are present for
which no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee
shall be permitted to enter the confined space only the use of air
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment.
4)  Establish a tag-out system to mark the confined space unsafe for en-
try should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry. Marking is to
remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe.
5)  Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere.
6)  Written emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained
personnel are available and are stationed outside of the confined
space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons
entering the space. Such equipment must include safety harness and
lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined
space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescue employee must
be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other
appropriate personal protective equipment.
7)  The confined space entry procedures shall be written and the
responible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the
procedures.

Issued

Jan 19, 1990

Abate by

Jan 24, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $400