OSHA Inspection: CORDELE TRUCK WASH

Issued

Jun 21, 1989

Abate by

Jun 23, 1989

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $420

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) Employees enter confined spaces (truck tankers) to perform internal
tank cleaning operations and are exposed to the potential hazards of
oxygen deficiency, toxic substances, and flammable/combustible gases.
Possible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are:
1) Train employees in the appropriate procedures and controls for entry,
emphasizing that entry without the appropriate precautions can be
fatal and that their senses are unable to detect and evaluate the
severity of atmospheric hazards.
2) Train employees in the proper use of all personal protective
equipment, including respirators and clothing required for entry,
and require the use of the equipment.
3) Use mechanical ventilation to thoroughly ventilate the confined
space prior to entry and during the work being performed to ensure
that conditions are safe.
4) Train employees in the appropriate emergency rescue procedures and
have adequate means to retrieve the employee inside the tanker, such
as tripod with winch.