Violation Detail
Standard Cited: 19100146 D05 I Permit-required confined spaces
Inspection Nr: 900691.015
Citation: 02001
Citation Type: Repeat
Abatement Date: 10/09/2013 2
Initial Penalty: $69,300.00
Current Penalty: $63,600.00
Issuance Date: 10/07/2013
Nr Instances: 2
Nr Exposed: 8
Related Event Code (REC): A
Gravity: 10
Report ID: 0420600
Contest Date:
Final Order: 10/29/2013
Emphasis:
| Type | Latest Event | Event Date | Penalty | Abatement Due Date | Citation Type | Failure to Abate Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penalty | I: Informal Settlement | 10/29/2013 | $63,600.00 | 10/09/2013 | Repeat | |
| Penalty | Z: Issued | 10/07/2013 | $69,300.00 | 10/09/2013 | Willful |
Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:
29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(i): Test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working; a. Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant - for employees conducting a horizontal confined space entry into an 8 ft diameter sewer pipe through the 90 degree bend opening leading to meter vault #2 - building #7, on or about 4/11/13. Employees were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, in that, a gas detector was not used to determine the internal atmosphere at the location where employees were conducting cleaning activities. Employees were working approximately 125 ft inside the sewer pipe. One employee died and another employee was hospitalized due to hydrogen sulfide overexposure. Forced air ventilation was not provided. In addition, two other employees were working up to 20 ft inside the sewer pipe without using a gas detector. b. Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant - for employees conducting a horizontal confined space entry into an 8 ft diameter sewer pipe through the 90 degree bend opening leading to sedimentation tanks #5-8, on or about 4/11/13. Employees were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, in that, a gas detector was not used to determine the internal atmosphere at the location where employees were conducting cleaning activities. Employees were working up to approximately 140 feet inside the sewer pipe. The 90 degree bend was open to the outside atmosphere. A venturi pneumatic air mover (bazooka) was placed at the entrance to the pipe to blow (supply) air. The other end of the pipe was open to the atmosphere (sedimentation tanks). Another pneumatic air mover was placed at the ladder to exhaust air out of the space. The bazooka was placed near the top of the 10-12 ft ladder. A Gas Alert Max XT meter (serial #MA211-037024) was placed at the entrance of the 90 degree bend; however, employees did not have a gas detector at the location of work inside the sewer pipe. c. Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant - for employees conducting a horizontal confined space entry into an 8 ft diameter sewer pipe through the 90 degree bend opening leading to sedimentation tanks #5-8, on or about 4/10/13. Employees were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, in that, a gas detector was not used to determine the internal atmosphere at the location where an employee carried the vacuum hose approximately 5- 20 ft into the sewer pipe. The 90 degree bend was closed to the outside atmosphere. A Gas Alert Max XT meter (serial #MA211-037024) was lowered down the vertical ladder and was hung at approximately 5' - 5'-5" high from the bottom of the pipe.; however, employees did not have a gas detector at the location of work.
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