Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 18080093
Citation: 01001
Citation Type: Willful
Abatement Date: 01/14/1990 X
Initial Penalty: $10,000.00
Current Penalty: $7,000.00
Issuance Date: 01/11/1990
Nr Instances: 3
Nr Exposed: 65
Related Event Code (REC):
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0420600
Contest Date:
Final Order:
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | I: Informal Settlement | 01/24/1990 | $7,000.00 | 01/14/1990 | Willful | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 01/11/1990 | $10,000.00 | 01/14/1990 | Willful |
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED
Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: On July 25 & 26, 1989 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 inhalation of toxic substances, to asphyxiation, and/or to fire or explosion during entry into or working in a confined space situation at the Heathrow Master Lift Station in unicorporated Seminole County: a) On 7/25/89 two (2) employees entered the wet well of the lift station to paint pipes with a material containing a volatile organic solvent (xylene). b) On 7/26/89 an employee entered the wet well of the lift station to install a flap gate valve on a pipe stub-out. c) On 7/26/89 two additional employees entered the wet well of the lift station in an attempt to rescue an ill and/or injured co-worker. Employees could suffer death, central nervous system damage and/or liver damage from chemical vapor inhalation, death due to oxygen deficiency (anoxia), and severe burns should a fire/explosion result among other hazards within uncontrolled confined spaces. Employees can also be injured during improper rescue procedures. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure which includes, but is not limited to, the following items: 1) Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry. 2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks or other confined space areas which may be entered. 3) Implementaion of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures, where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to tank/confined space entry. 4) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen deficiency and flammable /explosive atmosphere prior to entry to tank/confined space and as needed prior to re-entry. 5) Where it has been determined that confined space contains a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in confined space/tank before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the hazards encountered. 6) Provisions and procedures for standby observer located outside the confined space and readily available emergency standby equipment consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a self- contained breathing apparatus certified by NIOSH. 7) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.
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