OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL WATER MAIN CLEANING COMPANY

Issued

Apr 4, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(B): When an entrance cover was removed, the opening was not promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that would protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space.  31-20 Northern Blvd.  Chamber B, Long Island City, NY  11101.  On or about October 7, 2024, National Water Main Cleaning Company employees cleaning sewage debris from the bottom of a siphon 120-feet below ground were exposed to falling objects entering the manhole, 36-inches in diameter.  The manhole cover was removed to access the siphon and the opening was not effectively guarded from foreign objects entering the space.   A winch weighing approximately 119 pounds accidentally fell through the opening.  In addition, employees engaged in sewage cleaning were standing less than one foot away from this manhole without fall protection.  The employees were exposed to a fall hazard of 120 feet to the siphon area where work was being performed.      Because abatement of this violation is already documented in the case file, the employer need not submit certification or documentation of abatement for this violation as normally required by CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Apr 4, 2025

Abate by

Apr 23, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(iv): The employer did not provide each authorized entrant or that employee's authorized representative an opportunity to observe the pre-entry and any subsequent testing or monitoring of permit spaces.  Site: 31-20 Northern Blvd, Chamber B, Long Island City, NY 11101. a.) On or about October 07, 2024, National Water Main Cleaning Company employees working in a confined space area engaged in sewage cleaning from a siphon that measured approximately 120 ft in depth and were potentially exposed to a hazardous atmosphere such as oxygen deficiency, and hydrogen sulfide gas and the employer did not document on the permit that the employee working in a confined space area had the opportunity to observe the pre-entry testing.   Abatement certification is required pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19.

Issued

Apr 4, 2025

Abate by

Apr 23, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(f)(10): The entry permit that documented compliance and authorized entry to a permit space did not identify the results of initial and periodic tests performed under 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5), accompanied by the names or initials of the tester and by an indication of when the tests were performed.  Site: 31-20 Northern Blvd, Chamber B, Long Island City, NY 11101. a.) On or about October 07, 2024, National Water Main Cleaning Company employees were engaged in sewage cleaning from a permit-required confined space were potentially exposed to a hazardous atmosphere such as oxygen deficiency, and hydrogen sulfide gas.  The employer did not document on the permit the initial and periodic tests of the confined space accompanied by the names or initials of the tester and when the tests were performed as required by the standard.   Abatement certification is required pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19.