OSHA cited three employers – a University, a Mechanical contractor and an HVAC contractor – for exposing workers to permit-required confined space hazards associated with underground steam vaults. Proposed penalties for the three companies total $235,962. OSHA received an employer-reported referral from the mechanical contractor after an employee suffered burns from a release of steam while working in a steam vault at the University’s Campus.
OSHA determined that the University contracted mechanical contractor to make needed steam repairs and that neither company implemented adequate permit-required confined space safety measures. OSHA cited the University for failing to provide required information to contractors and coordinate activities, identify and evaluate high-pressure steam as a hazard, isolate steam energy, perform air monitoring, provide required signage, complete entry permits, evaluate their confined space hazard program and ensure the ability to rescue employees from a confined space. The university faces penalties of $105,835 for nine serious violations.
OSHA also cited the mechanical contractor for failing to obtain information from the host employer and coordinate activities, identify and evaluate hazards of the space, isolate steam energy, perform air monitoring, complete entry permits, provide required confined space training and ensure the ability to rescue employees from a confined space. The company faces penalties of $105,835 for nine serious violations.
The HVAC contractor brought in to complete the repairs – faces penalties of $24,292 for four serious violations involving failing to obtain information from the host employer, adequately isolate steam energy, provide required confined space training and complete entry permits.
Here is the breakdown of the citations:
