OSHA Inspection: NORTHWEST GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.

Issued

Dec 6, 2007

Abate by

Dec 12, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100

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:
a) On or about June 20, 2007, at the above located worksite, employees
entered an underground
water meter vault, a Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS), approximately
11 feet deep,
without the benefit of safe entry procedures in that: 1) A confined space
permit was not
completed prior to workers entering a Permit Required Confined Space; 2)
The employer did
not implement a written confined space program; 3) Atmospheric testing was
not conducted prior
to workers entering a PRCS; 4) Ventilation or other protective measures
were not taken prior
to workers entering a PRCS; 5) Emergency procedures were not in place for
PRCS entry
including means of providing timely rescue for entering employee(s). Among
other
methods, one
feasible means of abatement would be to comply with American National
Standards Institute,
ANSI Z117.1-2003 Safety Requirements for Confined Space.
Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be
submitted within ten
(10) days after the abatement date.

Issued

Dec 6, 2007

Abate by

Dec 12, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100