OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL WRECKING COMPANY

Issued

Aug 16, 2000

Abate by

Sep 18, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $900 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 of asphyxiation and toxic atmospheres during
confined space entry:
a)  National Wrecking Company - Lincoln School located at 200 South
Lincoln, Park Ridge, IL,
on July 5, 2000, employees entered a confined space, a 5,000 gallon
underground storage tank,
for the purpose of removing sludge and cleaning the interior walls,
exposing employees to the
potential of asphyxiation and/or toxic atmospheres immediately dangerous
to life and health.
A confined space entry procedure was not implemented and enforced specific
to the worker
exposures to confined space hazards when cleaning and sludging operations
were performed.
Among other methods of control, 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
Z117.1-1995.  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 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 on a
regular basis for the
presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5) and the absence of hazardous levels
of
toxic or
combustible gas or vapors.
4)  Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to the entry and on
a regular basis for
the presence of oxygen (19.5) 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