OSHA Inspection: TRI- CON CORPORATION

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 17, 1990

Penalty

Initial $810 · Current $810

General-duty citation text

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 on or about 3/14/90
employees working on a cement crew were exposed to the hazards of fire,
explosives and/or oxygen deficient atmosphere due to performing work in
and underground utility unit at the water pumping station located at 25
W 376 Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL. The investigation revealed that
the crew did not follow adequate confined space entry procedures in that
no testing of the vault was conducted to determine the presence of
sufficient oxygen and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or
combustible gases of vapors prior to entry, no standby person was
designated with suitable rescue equipment, the vault was not posted with
a warning sign, and an entry permit system was not implemented.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to establish and enforce and adequate Confined
Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977, Safety
Requirements for working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. Such a
Program shall include, as a minumum, the following elements:
1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric
testing, rescue procedures, and employee training.
2) The completion and posting of a warning sign and a confined space
entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing
that specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies
that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a
qualified person designated by the employer, and necessary protective
measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker.
3) 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.
4) Testing ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and on a
regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% to 25%) and
absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors,
when determined necessary as described in (2) above.
5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel
are available and are stationed outside the confined space with
proper equipment to provide for the rescue of pesons entering 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 rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air
supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal
protective equipment. Note: Under no circumstances is the standby
person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate
assistance is present.
6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined
spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to
entry and hazards associated with work in confined spaces.

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 17, 1990

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 17, 1990

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $450

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 17, 1990

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

May 17, 1990

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Penalty

Initial $540 · Current $540

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990

Issued

Apr 17, 1990

Abate by

Apr 20, 1990