OSHA Inspection: B J COMPANY CONTRACTORS, INC.

Issued

Oct 3, 2002

Abate by

Oct 23, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

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 free
from recognized
hazards that were causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical
harm to employees.
Employees were exposed to potential hazards found in sewer lines due to
the lack of a confined
space entry procedure.  Employees were required to enter manholes without
prior
characterization of the environment for safety and health hazards.
Hazards which could
potentially exist include, but are not limited to:  an oxygen deficient
atmosphere, an explosive
and/or toxic atmosphere, and physical hazards due to the configuration of
the space.  Among
other methods, one feasible means of correction would be to develop and
implement a permit
required confined space entry program.  A document published by the
American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), published as ANSI Z117.1-1995, and, OSHA
standard 29 CFR
1910.146, "Permit-required Confined Spaces", are examples of references
which could be
consulted to establish a program.h