OSHA Inspection: STANADYNE OF PENNSYLVANIA

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

Apr 11, 1986

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $150 Reduced

Hazardous substances 2490

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
potential toxic and oxygen deficient atmosphere hazards while workingin
a confined space:
a) Employee removing sludge from the vapor degreaser were exposed to
potential toxic and oxygen deficient atmosphere hazards in that
respiratory protection was not worn and monitoring of the air inside
the degreaser was not performed before employees were allowed to
enter, January 27, 1986.
Among other methods, one acceptable abatement method to correct this
hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry program consisting
of at least following:
1) Implementation of confined space entry permit procedures which lists
the precautions to be taken and which includes a lockout and
isolation procedure. The following "checklist" of precautions should
be included on the entry permit:hazard(s) identified; testing and
emergency procedures established; gas lines isolated; valves locked
and capped; electrical switches locked and tested; contaminants
diluted by purging or ventilation; lifelines and safety belts
utilized, and rescue equipment in place and tested.
2) Conduct atmosphere monitoring and testing prior to entry and during
the time period that work is being performed in the vapor degreaser.
Testing shall be for oxygen content and toxic substance
concentrations.
3) Attach a safety belt and lifeline to the employee entering the
confined space.
4) Provide a trained standby employee outside of the vapor degreaser to
maintain communication with the confined space workers, unobstructed
life lines, and for obtaining immediate help in the event of an
emergency.
Rescuers should be instructed and drilled in rescue procedures.
Rescuers should be informed not to enter the confined area unless
others are standing by in the event that additional help is required.
The rescuer should be equipped with proper personal protective
equipment including a lifeline and safety belt.
5) Instruct employees as to the nature of the hazards involved and
the necessary precautions to be taken in regards to entry into a
vapor degreaser.
Employees be trained with emphasis on the hazards associated with
their work, the proper entry procedures to be followed and the
required personal protective equipment needed when entry is made.
Rescuers should be trained in artificial respiration techniques
and basic first-aid procedures.
6) Provide sufficient exhaust ventilation to keep the concentration
of solvent vapors in the vapor degreaser to within permissible
exposure limits and ensure that ventilation exhaust ducts discharge
clear of working areas and away from sources of ignition. Conduct
periodic tests made to ensure that the exhausted vapors are not
accumulating in the work area.
7) Provide readily available (at hand) emergency standby equipment
consisting of a safety line and/or harness of sufficient length and
where the internal atmosphere is oxygen deficient or contains toxic
gases, a self-contained breathing apparatus or a supplied-air
respirator should be utilized by the employee entering the confined
space and one available for rescue.
8) All entrances to confined spaces should be posted:
"Danger, confined space, entry by permit only".

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

May 25, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

May 25, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

May 25, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

May 25, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

Apr 18, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490

Issued

Mar 27, 1986

Abate by

Nov 24, 1986

Hazardous substances 2490