OSHA Inspection: ABEL ELECTRIC

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $280 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
potential toxic and oxygen deficient atmosphere hazards while working in
a confined space:
A) Employees working in pumping stations of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary
Authority, Nos. 16, 13, 15, and others were exposed to potential
toxic and oxygen deficient atmosphere hazards in that no atmosphere
testing was done prior to entry, no emergency rescue equipment was
available, December 27,1990.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO CORRECT THIS
HAZARD IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM CONSISTING
OF AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING:
1) Implementation of confined space entry permit procedures which lists
the precautions to be taken, the following "checklist" or precautions
should be included on the entry permit: hazard(s) identified;
testing and emergency procedures 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 confined space.
Testing shall be for oxygen content; toxic substance concentrations,
and flammable gases.
3) Attach a safety belt and lifeline to the employee entering the
confined space.
4) Provide a trained standby employee outside of the confined space to
maintain communication with the confined space workers, unobstructed
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 others 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
confined space. 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 equipment needed
when entry is made. Rescuers should be trained in artificial
respiration techniques and basic first-aid procedures.
6) Provide sufficient exhaust ventilation to keep the concentration of
toxic substances in the confined space to within permissable exposure
limits and ensure that ventilation exhaust ducts discharge clear of
working areas.
7) Provide readily available emergency standby equipment consisting 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 breathing apparatus or a supplied-air respirator
should be utilized by the employee entering the confined space and
one available for rescue.
8) All entrances to confined spaces should be posted: "Danger, confined
space, entry by permit only".

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $640

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Mar 8, 1991

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Mar 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $540 Reduced

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991

Penalty

Initial $80 · Current $80

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Mar 9, 1991

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Apr 9, 1991

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Apr 9, 1991

Issued

Feb 7, 1991

Abate by

Feb 12, 1991