OSHA Inspection: DEWITT SEED

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $260 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:
a) The hazard of fescue seed (any of various grasses of the genus
festuca, often cultivated as pasturage) collapsing, resulting in
asphyxiation; in that the employer did not provide those employees
involved in entry into a fescue seed storage bin or tank with an
adequate bin or tank entry procedure to protect employees from
possible fescue seed collapsing while trying to unclog air pocket
blockages or performing maintenance/repair operations.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is
to institute a formal bin or tank entry program consisting of, but not
limited to, the following elements:
1) The completion and posting of permit for entering bin or tank which
requires authorization and approval in writing that certifies that
all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified
person and necessary protective measures have been implemented to
ensure the safety of each employee prior to entering the bin or tank.
2) All mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment which
present a danger to employees inside of bin or tank prior to entry
are to be disconnected, locked and tagged as out, blocked-off or
prevented from operating by other means or methods.
3) Testing the atmosphere of the bin or tank prior to entry and on a
regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (a minimum of 19%)
and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or
vapors, when determined necessary.
4) When entering bin or tank from the top, employees are to wear a body
harness with lifeline, or use a boatswain's chair that meets the
requirements of 1910.28(j). A winch system with mechanical advantage
(either powered or manual), would allow better control of the
employees than just using a hand-held hoist line; such a system
would allow the observer to remove the employee easily without having
to enter the bin or tank.
5) An observer equipped to provide assistance stationed outside the bin
or tank being entered by an employee. Communication (visual, voice or
signal line) are to the maintained between the observer and employees
entering the bin or tank.
6) The employer will provide equipment for rescue operations which is
specifically suited for the bin or tank being entered.
7) The employee acting as observer is to be trained in rescue operation
specifically suited for the bin or tank entered.
8) Employees are not to enter bins or tanks underneath a bridging
condition or where a build-up of products on the sides could fall
and bury them.
DISCLAIMER: The abatement method outlined above is general and
the employer based on his superior knowledge of the
working conditions is responsible for developing and
implementing an abatement method which will be suitably
protective of employee's safety and health.

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $95 Reduced

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $95 Reduced

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $260 Reduced

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $240 · Current $95 Reduced

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Penalty

Initial $180 · Current $70 Reduced

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Jan 27, 1990

Issued

Dec 11, 1989

Abate by

Dec 14, 1989