Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 17403031
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 12/23/1989 X
Initial Penalty: $720.00
Current Penalty: $720.00
Issuance Date: 12/20/1989
Nr Instances: 1
Nr Exposed: 4
Related Event Code (REC):
Gravity: 08
Report ID: 0418400
Contest Date:
Final Order:
Emphasis:
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: FALLING
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 the hazard of asphyxiation. Employees were allowed to enter a 1,562 cubic foot air drier vessel. Number N18B, that contained nitrogen gas (used for pressure testing) two (2) days previously, forming an oxygen deficient atmosphere. The vessel was not properly ventilated nor tested for oxygen deficiency and/or the presence of toxic gases before entering and lifelines, along wwth safety harnesses, were not worn by the employees entering the vessel. On or about 10/18/89. Among other methods. Some feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are included in the following procedures for vessel entering: A lifeline and safety harness shall be worn by anyone entering closed vessels, tanks and similar equipment and a person shall be stationed outside in a position to handle the line and to summon assistance in case of emergency. The air in the vessel shall be tested for oxygen deficency and the presence of both toxic and explosive gases and shall be properly ventilated before entry into the closed vessels, tanks, etc, is permitted. Self-contained air or oxygen supply masks shall be readily available in case of emergency.
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