OSHA Inspection: WESTERN STATES CONTRACTING, INC.

Issued

Nov 4, 2008

Abate by

Nov 21, 2008

Penalty

Initial $2,975

Hazardous substances 1055044090109050H130

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1):  Every employer shall furnish
employment and a
place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are
causing or are
likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees:
a.Employees were exposed to injuries resulting from entrance into a permit
required
confined space without first having properly characterized the space to be
entered,
set-up and prearranged for rescue capabilities, and properly tested the
atmosphere
for all contaminants for those employees assigned job duties working at
the 2630
Transmission Main project.
One feasible method of abatement, among others, would be to properly
identify
the space as confined, properly evaluate the space to identify that it is
permit-
required, have rescue equipment and personnel at the ready, and use direct
reading instruments in addition to four-gas meter tests to accurately
measure
atmospheric contaminants.
Reference: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z117.1-1995: Safety
Requirements for Confined Spaces which states in Paragraph 3.2 - Hazards
shall be identified for each confined space. The hazard identification
process shall
include, but not be limited to, a review of the following: Paragraph 3.2.1
The
past and current uses of the confined space which may adversely affect the
atmosphere of the confined space; Para. 3.2.2 The physical characteristics,
configuration, and location of the confined space; Para. 3.2.3 Existing or
potential hazards in the confined space such as a toxic atmosphere.
Paragraph
6.2 Testing Considerations. Testing of confined spaces shall be conducted
in a
manner that represents the atmosphere throughout the confined space.
Paragraph
14.1 Emergency response Plan. A plan of action shall be written with
provisions
to conduct a timely rescue for individuals in a confined space should an
emergency arise. Included in these provisions shall be: Para. 14.1.1
Determination of what methods of rescue must be implemented to retrieve
individuals; Para. 14.1.2 Designation of rescue personnel that are
immediately
available where PRCS entries are conducted; 14.1.3 Type and availability of
equipment needed to rescue individuals; Para. 14.1.4 An effective means to
summon rescuers in a timely manner; Para. 14.1.5 Training and drilling
attendant(s) and rescue personnel in preplanning, rescue and emergency
procedures.,