OSHA Inspection: CONNAWAY & CO., INC.

Issued

Oct 8, 1999

Abate by

Dec 7, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,680 Reduced

Hazardous substances X1000530

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 the hazard of chemical overexposure and asphyxia during
entry into confined
spaces.
a) On September 9, 1999 an employee died after entering a confined space
(utility
vault containing water pipes and valves) without implementing any standard
confined space entry precautions.  The utility vault was tested the
following day
and was found to have an oxygen deficient atmosphere (14.4) and excessive
levels of carbon dioxide (28,000 parts per million). A normal oxygen level
is
20.8and an atmosphere is considered to be oxygen deficient if it
contains less
than 19.5oxygen.  The permissible exposure level for carbon dioxide is
5,000
parts per million.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to institute a confined space entry program which adopts the requirements
of the American
National Standard (ANSI) Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces
(Z117.1-1989).
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (See
enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Oct 8, 1999

Abate by

Dec 7, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,680 Reduced

Hazardous substances X1000530