OSHA Inspection: DAMIAN ASSOCIATES, LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Issued

Oct 5, 2000

Abate by

Oct 28, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 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 the hazards associated with:
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 hazards of asphyxiation
and toxic atmospheres
during confined space entry:
Damien Associates, Limited Liability Corporation, Sandwich High School,
Sandwich,
Massachusetts:  On July 25, 2000 a foreman entered a 3500 gallon clearwell
overflow tank for
the purpose of inspecting repair work performed the previous day (July 24,
2000).  As part of
this repair work, urethane caulking had been applied.  Upon entry, the
foreman collapsed inside
the tank and was rescued by a co-worker.  The vapors released from the
curing of this caulk
exposed these employees to the hazards of toxic atmospheres and/or
displacement of oxygen.
A confined space entry procedure was not implemented and enforced specific
to the use of
chemicals and chemical caulks inside of confined spaces.  Among other
methods of control, one
feasible and acceptable method to correct these hazards is to establish
and implement confined
space entry program such as that specified in ANSI Z117.1-1995.  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 qualified people 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 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 on a
regular basis for the
presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5 percent) and the absence of hazardous
levels of toxic or
combustible gas 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 lifelines
with provisions to pull
the employee from the tank.  If the entry is required for rescue employees
must be equipped
with approved air supplied/self-contained breathing apparatus or other
appropriate respiratory
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 procedures
required prior to the entry and the hazards associated with work in the
confined space, use of
the protective, rescue and testing equipment.  Abatement documentation is
required
for this item
in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).s

Issued

Oct 5, 2000

Abate by

Oct 15, 2000

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750