OSHA Inspection: NATGUN CORP.

Issued

Jun 27, 2008

Abate by

Aug 14, 2008

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,000 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 hazards associated with working in a confined space, such
as an oxygen
deficient atmosphere. On or about April 30, 2008 employees entered a 2
million gallon concrete
water tank without following the proper confined space entry procedures in
that: 1) A confined
space entry permit was not completed prior to workers entering the tank;
2) Atmospheric testing
was not conducted prior to the workers entering the tank; 3) Ventilation
was not provided to
ensure a safe atmosphere prior to and during work inside the tank; 4) The
employer did not
assess whether or not appropriate personal protective equipment was
required when entering the
tank; and 5) Emergency procedures were not in place, including rescue and
retrieval means,
prior to workers entering the tank. Among other methods, one feasible and
acceptable abatement
method to correct this hazard is the implementation of a confined space
entry program in
accordance with American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z117.1-2003,
Safety Requirements
for Confined Spaces.