Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 5A0001 OSH Act General Duty Paragraph
Inspection Nr: 309263119
Citation: 01001A
Citation Type: Serious
Abatement Date: 02/02/2006 X
Initial Penalty: $3,500.00
Current Penalty: $2,500.00
Issuance Date: 01/06/2006
Nr Instances: 9
Nr Exposed: 9
Related Event Code (REC):
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0522000
Contest Date: 02/01/2006
Final Order: 03/10/2008
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | F: Formal Settlement | 03/10/2008 | $2,500.00 | 02/02/2006 | Serious | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 01/06/2006 | $3,500.00 | 02/02/2006 | Serious |
Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard: CONFINED
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: a) On or about July 19, 2005 and after that time, located in the second most western excavation and 48 inch casing therein, central excavation, second most eastern and 54 inch casing therein, eastern most excavation, Manhole 85 and sewer therein employees performing hand held and pneumatic tool work, gas powered sawing, and sewer gasket inspection type of activities were exposed to the hazards associated with entry into confined spaces and being overcome by toxic gases and oxygen deficient or explosive atmospheres, in that at times these activities were performed without hazard identification and evaluation, atmospheric testing, mechanical ventilation, designation of qualified people for standby and rescue, and implementation of emergency rescue procedures and equipment. Among other methods, one recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard would be to implement the elements required by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), Standard Z117.1-1989 Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces. Such a program shall include, as a minimum, the following elements: 1. Develop, implement, and complete a confined space permit entry system meeting the requirements of ANSI Z 117.1-1989 2. Develop and utilize effective procedures for confined space entry including, but not limited to, using a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, designation of qualified people for standby and emergency procedures. 3. The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies that all existing hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and the necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 4. Blocking, lockout or any other steps necessary to reduce to and ensure zero mechanical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space should any of these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 5. Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 6. Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 7. Emergency rescue procedures with requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of personsentering the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
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