OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL GUNITE, INC.

Issued

Feb 27, 2001

Abate by

Mar 5, 2001

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 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:
In Decatur, Illinois, employees of National Gunite were exposed to
atmospheric hazards as a
result of entering the combination sanitary/storm sewer and the employer
did not ensure that all
appropriate protective measures were implemented and maintained during the
confined space
entries as required by ANSI Z117.1 - 1995.  Employees were exposed to the
following hazards:
a.  A confined space entry program was not implemented at the site, ANSI
Z117.1-1995,
Section 3.6;
b.  Confined space entry permits were not implemented by a qualified
person,ANSI
Z117.1-1995,Section 5.2;
c.  Atmospheric testing was not performed in a manner representative of
the entire space,
ANSI Z117.1-1995, Section 6.2;
d.  Atmospheric testing was not performed with testing equipment that had
recently been
calibrated and shown to be functioning, ANSI Z117.1-1995, Section 6.2.2;
e.  The attendant was not always positioned at the entry point, ANSI
Z117.1-1995,
Section 7.1.1 and 7.1.3.5;
f.  Continuous two-way communication between the entrants and the
attendants was not
available at all times during entry, ANSI Z117.1-1995, Section 7.3;
g.  The confined space was not isolated to prevent flammable, toxic,
irritating, or oxygen
displacing gases from entering the space, ANSI Z117.1-1995, Section 8.2;
h.  Ventilation was not maintained at all times during entry, ANSI
Z117.1-1995, Section
9.1.2; and
i.  Rescue services were not available in a timely manner nor were the
means to
summons such services available at all times during entry, ANSI
Z117.1-1995, Section
14.1.2
A feasible and effective means of abatement may include, but is not
limited to:
a. Implement and maintain adequate confined space entry procedures in
accordance with
ANSI Z117.1-1995, 29 CFR 1910.146, or their equivalent.
Disclaimers:
a.  The employer is not limited to the abatement methods suggested by OSHA;
b.  The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases; and
c.  The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
effective abatement
method.
***THIS ITEM REQUIRES DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT***

Issued

Feb 27, 2001

Abate by

Mar 5, 2001

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced