OSHA Inspection: PHILIP ENVIRONMENTAL

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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)1975 Ruby Street, Melrose Park, IL - Employees of Philip
Environmental, entered a confined space, a 3000 oil/separator tank
15, for the purpose of removing sludge, cleaning tank interior
walls, exposing employees to the potential of asphyxiation and
explosive and/or toxic atmospheres immediately dangerous to life
and health.  A confined space entry procedure, which was specific
for the worker exposures to confined space hazards when cleaning
and sludging operations were performed, was not implemented and
enforced.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to
correct these hazards is to establish and implement a confined
space entry program such as that specified in ANSI Z117.1 - 1989.
The program shall consist of the following:
1) Develop and utilize effective procedures for confined space
entry including but not limited to using a permit system,
ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, employee
training, designation of a qualified person for standby and
emergency procedures.
2) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit
which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies
the location and type of work to be completed and certifies that all
existing hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and the
necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety
of each worker.
3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and
continued ventilation of the space during operations to provide a
safe atmosphere.
4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and
on a regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5)
and the absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases
or vapors.
5) Emergency procedures with requirements that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the confined space with
proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the
space.  Such equipment  must include a safety harness and lifelineswith
provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space.
If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee must be
equipped with approved air supplied/self-contained breathing
apparatus or other appropriate respiratory protection and personal
protective equipment.
6) Training shall be provided to all employees required to enter the
confined space or assist in rescue/emergency activities.  The
training shall include the procedures required prior to entry and the
hazards associated with work in the confined space, use of
protective equipment, testing and rescue equipment.

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Dec 5, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Issued

Dec 4, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Issued

Dec 4, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $3,150 · Current $3,150

Issued

Dec 4, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Issued

Dec 4, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997

Issued

Dec 4, 1997

Abate by

Dec 24, 1997