OSHA Inspection: SYNAGRO TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Issued

2009-03-20 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-05-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4500.00 · Current $3000.00 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 confined space entry:
a)Newtown Creek Digester Tank# 14,
Employees working in a permit required confined space without the
following:
1) A complete hazard assessment to identify all the hazards of a confined
space which
included potential engulfment.
2) Develop and implement the means, procedures and practices for safe
permit space
entry operation, such a briefing and debriefing of all personnel involved
with entry.
3) Provide an attendant when working in a permit required confined space.
4) Provide communication equipment for attendants who are required to
communicate
with the entrants.
5) Make sure that the attendant remains directly outside the permit space
during entry
operations until relieved.
6) Ensure that the attendant performs no other duties that might interfere
with the
attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrant.
7) Maintain ladders used to enter and exit the confined space.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to correct the
hazardous
condition may include: Following the recommendations of ANSI standard
Z117.1 (Safety
Requirements for Confined Space) as well as those of the National Utility
Contractors
Associated Confined Space Entry Manual and by adhering to the company's
Safety,
Health, and Environmental Program Manual.
NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS
REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM,
FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1,000.00
AS PER 29 CFR 1903.19.0

Issued

2009-03-20 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-04-01 00:00:00

Issued

2009-03-20 00:00:00

Abate by

2009-05-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4500.00