OSHA Inspection: C.D. SMITH CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Issued

Apr 28, 2008

Abate by

May 8, 2008

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $750 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 due
to atmospheric and
engulfment hazards:
(a)At the Sussex Waster Water Treatment Facility jobsite; employees were
allowed
to enter a permit required confined space without:
1.ensure employees entering the confined space were properly trained.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct these
hazards are to use a safer
alternate method such as meeting the requirements of American National
Standard Z117.1-2003
Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces:
1.Section 3.2 Hazard Identification.  Confined spaces shall be considered
hazardous
until determine to be otherwise.  Hazards shall be identified for each
confined
space.  The hazard identification process shall include, but not be
limited to, a
review of the following:
3.2.1  The past and current uses of the confined space which may
adversely affect the atmosphere of the confined space;
3.2.2  The physical characteristics, configuration, and location of the
confined space;
3.2.3  Existing or potential atmospheric hazards, such as:
1.Oxygen deficient or enriched atmosphere
2.Flammable/explosive atmosphere
3.Toxic atmosphere;
3.2.4  Biological hazards;
3.2.5  Mechanical hazards;
3.2.6  Physical hazards.
2.Section 3.3 Hazard Evaluation.  Hazards identified shall be evaluated by
a
qualified person.  Each hazard shall be examined with respect to:
3.3.1  Scope of hazard exposure;
3.3.2  Magnitude of hazards;
3.3.3  Likelihood of hazard occurrence;
3.3.4  Consequences of the hazard occurrence;
3.3.5  Potential for changing conditions or activities;
3.3.6  Strategies for controlling the hazards;
3.3.7  Impact on the need for emergency response.
3.Section 5.1 Entry Permits.  A permit shall be established for all PRCS
entries.
This document shall include:
5.1.1  The date of entry, the location of entry, the names or
identification
of entrants and type of work which will be conducted in the confined
space;
5.1.2  The hazards to be controlled or eliminated prior to proceeding with
the entry;
5.1.3  Safety equipment required to perform the job;
5.1.4  Safety precautions required to perform the job;
5.1.5  The type of atmospheric tests required and the results of those
tests;
5.1.6  The type of equipment which will be necessary for a rescue and
how aid will be summoned in the event of an emergency;
5.1.7  A duration for the permit.
4.Section 8.2 Isolation.  Methods and means shall be selected and used to
prevent
flammable, toxic, irritating, or oxygen displacing gases and vapors from
entering
the space.  All hazardous material, high pressure, high temperature and
other
piping that could be reasonably expected to introduce a hazard shall be
isolated
by utilizing blinding, disconnection, removal, or double block and bleed as
needed to prevent entry of material(s) and hazardous contaminant(s).
A confined space shall be isolated to prevent entry of material(s) and
hazardous
contaminants using one or more of the following methods:
*Inserting a blank sized for the proper pressure in piping nearest to
the confined space.*Depressurizing and disconnecting contaminant supply
line(s) and
providing a blank or blind on piping leading into the confined
space.
*Misaligning pipe(s) at connections closest to the confined space
and capping, blinding, and plugging ends.
*Utilizing two (2) blocking valves with an open vent or bleed valve
between the blocking valves.  If the bleed valve is not the same
diameter as the line, then the bleed point should be monitored
periodically during the work shift.
5.Section 15. Training; 15.1  General Requirements.  Personnel responsible
for
supervising, planning, entering or participating in confined space entry
and rescue
shall be adequately trained in their functional duties prior to any
confined space
entry.  Training shall include:
15.1.1 An explanation of the general hazards associated with confined
spaces;
15.1.2 A discussion of specific confined space hazards associated with the
facility, location or operation;
15.1.3 The hazard for which the PPE was selected, and the proper use,
inspection, care and maintenance, and limitations of PPE and other safety
equipment;
15.1.4 An explanation of the permit system and other procedural
requirements for conducting a confined space entry;
15.1.5 How to respond to emergencies;
15.1.6 Duties and responsibilities as a member of the confined space entry
team;
15.1.7 A description of how to recognize probable air contaminant
overexposure systems to themselves and co-workers, and method(s) for
alerting attendants.
Certification, with date and method of abatement required.
Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be
submitted within ten (10)
calendar days after the abatement date.ment