OSHA Inspection: R & B EXCAVATING, LLC

Issued

Apr 10, 2002

Abate by

Aug 15, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupations Safety and Health Act of 1970:
R&B Excavating, LLC, Walnut Creek Hills, Sanitary Sewer System, Omaha:
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:  Employees apply grout to the rings in
manholes.  The
employees were working in manholes including but not limited to 11, 27,32
and 36.
Employees introduce chemicals into the confined spaces including but not
limited to, pvc
primer, pvc cement and concrete.  Employees were potentially exposed to
hazards of an
oxygen deficient atmosphere in that, prior to entry into the manhole, the
employer did not
implement and enforce a confined space program, i.e., the use of
continuous mechanical
ventilation to ensure the presence of sufficient oxygen; the use of
atmospheric testing and
monitoring equipment to ensure the presence of sufficient oxygen and the
absence
of
hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors. Air sampling and
forced ventilation
are only done in cases where live sewage is connected to the manholes the
employees will
enter.  Employees of R & B Excavating routinely enter confined spaces for
which the
atmospheres are not tested to determine the presence of hazards such as
oxygen deficiency.
Company procedure is to take the manhole cover off for 20 minutes and then
allow
employees to enter without testing or evaluating.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard
is to establish and enforce and adequate confined space entry program such
as stipulated by
American Nations Standard, ANSI Z117.1-1995 Safety Requirements for
Confined Spaces.
a)Paragraphs 6, 6.5.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4:  Conduct formal hazard
identification
and evaluation or atmospheric testing.
b) Paragraph 3.6:  Develop and implement a written Confined Space Entry
program for any and all employees required to enter confined spaces.
c)Paragraphs 4.2 and 15:  Adequately training any and all employees,
participating in entry and rescue, in their functional duties prior to any
confined space entry to include; entry procedures, precautions and
emergency
rescue procedures.
Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this
violation. The
documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable
measurements or
monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be
helpful. The
abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citations.

Issued

Apr 10, 2002

Abate by

May 13, 2002

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $225 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 2002

Abate by

May 13, 2002

Issued

Apr 10, 2002

Abate by

Aug 15, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

Issued

Apr 10, 2002

Abate by

Apr 29, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced