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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 303128540 - Spencer Environmental Inc
Inspection Information - Office: Or-E-Portland - Safety 1 1054111
Site Address:
Spencer Environmental Inc
1515 W 1st Ave
The Dalles, OR 97058
Mailing Address:
6400 Se 101st Ave, Portland, OR 97266
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:4959
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 12/09/1999
Planning Guide: Health-Manufacturing
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 09/18/2000
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 101630044 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Current Violations | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $4,225 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $4,225 |
| Current Penalty | $2,950 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,950 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 19100146 D | 01/12/2000 | 02/14/2000 | $2,350 | $3,250 | $0 | 01/28/2000 | L - State Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100146 K01 | 01/12/2000 | 02/14/2000 | $600 | $975 | $0 | 01/28/2000 | L - State Settlement |
Investigation Summary
Employee #1 was cleaning the inside of an underground gasoline storage tank in preparation for its conversion to diesel storage. The gasoline storage tank was not ventilated prior to entry, despite the fact that there was residual gasoline remaining in the tank. Testing of the atmosphere inside the tank was not done prior to entry. Employee #1 was lowered into the tank via a lifeline hoisting cable through the single man-way at the south side of the tank. Employee #1 disconnected from the lifeline when he reached the floor of the tank and walked to the north end of tank to begin cleaning. Unhooking from the lifeline/tripod upon entering the space invalidated the non-entry rescue mechanism and procedure. Employee #1 wore a full-face air-purifying respirator to enter the tank. A fully charged Self Contained Breathing Apparatus was available, but was not used. Employee #1 was overcome by the unsafe atmosphere within the tank (oxygen deficiency) and was seen staggering and attempting to reattach to the lifeline by attendants observing from above. Employee #1 was unable to reattach the lifeline, fell to the ground and lay there unconscious. Employee #1 was retrieved from the tank but died on the way to the hospital.
Keywords: OXYGEN DEFICIENCY, ASPHYXIATED, AIR MONITORING, CLEANING, STORAGE TANK, GASOLINE, RESPIRATOR, LIFELINE, VENTILATION, CONFINED SPACE
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 303128540 | Fatality | Asphyxia | Supervisors; handlers,equip-cleaners,laborers nec |