OSHA Inspection: J.O. FLOWE GRADING CO., INC.

Issued

Dec 22, 1999

Abate by

Dec 28, 1999

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1) of the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of North Carolina:  The employer did not furnish to
each of his employees conditions of 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:
a)jobsite - manhole #12, on October 5, 1999 a pipe crew
worker entered a newly constructed manhole approximately
21 feet in depth which had been built over an active 8
inch sewer line.  Atmospheric testing or monitoring was
not conducted to ensure the new manhole did not contain
a toxic or flammable contaminant or an oxygen deficient
atmosphere prior to entry.  The employee entered to
point-up the bottom (seal the joints and install the
invert).  The employee lost consciousness and became
unresponsive.   Additionally, protective equipment and
rescue equipment was not provided for employee use.
b)jobsite, on October 5, 1999 a pipe crew worker entered
manhole #12 in an attempt to rescue a co-worker who was
unconscious and unresponsive at the bottom of the 21-foot
manhole.  Atmospheric testing or monitoring was not
conducted to ensure that the new manhole did not contain
a toxic or flammable contaminant or an oxygen deficient
atmosphere prior to entry.  The employee was overcome and
lost consciousness.  Additionally, protective equipment
and rescue equipment was not provided for employee use.
c)jobsite - manhole #12, on October 5, 1999 a pan operator
entered manhole #12 in an attempt to rescue two co-
workers who were unconscious and unresponsive at the
bottom of the 21-foot manhole.  Atmospheric testing or
monitoring was not conducted to ensure the new manhole
did not contain a toxic or flammable contaminant or an
oxygen deficient atmosphere prior to entry.  The employee
became dizzy, disoriented, and experienced shortness of
breath.  The employee was able to exit the space.
Additionally, protective equipment and rescue equipment
was not provided for employee use.
d)jobsite, on October 5, 1999 a track-hoe operator entered
manhole #12 in an attempted to rescue two co-workers who
were unconscious and unresponsive at the bottom of the
21-foot manhole.  Atmospheric testing or monitoring was
not conducted to ensure that the new manhole did not
contain a toxic or flammable contaminant or an oxygen
deficient atmosphere prior to entry.  The employee became
dizzy, disoriented, and experienced shortness of breath.
He was able to exit the space.  The employee re-entered
the manhole for a second rescue attempt however, he was
forced to exit the space again due to "bad fumes".
Additionally, protective equipment and rescue equipment
was not provided for employee use.
Feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard includes,
but are not limited to:
1Perform atmospheric testing or monitoring of all confined
spaces such as, but not limited to, new and existing manholes
prior to entry and periodically monitor while employees are in
confined spaces.  Provide ventilating equipment to obtain
acceptable entry conditions prior to entry.  Provide rescue
and emergency equipment at the site.
2.Develop and implement a permit-required confined space program
in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.146 North Carolina Occupational
Safety and Health Standard for General Industry.
3.Develop and implement a confined space program in accordance
with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z117.1-
1995.

Issued

Dec 22, 1999

Abate by

Dec 28, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,800