OSHA Inspection: GEOFON INCORPORATED

Issued

Dec 24, 2003

Abate by

Jan 22, 2004

Penalty

Initial $1,225 · Current $1,225

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 recognized hazards of asphyxiation/suffocation and
chemical exposure when
required to enter into confined spaces while performing work without
proper evaluation of the
space:
a)Geofon Incorporated, Camp Pendleton, Gas Station, Manhole to diesel tank
next to
building 22141: An employee was observed inside the sub area (riser) of a
diesel tank
to attach monitoring equipment for a diesel leak in the system (space
dimension 3 feet
wide by 3 to 4 feet deep). Helium was injected into the diesel system to
determine the
leak. The confined space the employee entered had not been evaluated to
determine
whether the space was a permit required confined space. Geofon is a
remediation and
underground storage tank removal company who conduct tasks of this sort
frequently.
A warning sign was also posted on the entrance of the space informing
possible
occupants of the hazards inside the space that could lead to serious
injury and or death.
Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct
the hazard
include, but are not limited to: Full implementation of the elements
required by the
American National Standard Institute (ANSI), standard Z117.1 (Safety
Requirements for
Confined Spaces). On 09/05/03, and at times prior thereto.,