This OSHRC case involved laundry company who uses industrial sized washing machines which are correctly classified as a Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS). OSHA inspected the facility, and the CSHO discovered that the calibration gas used to calibrate the direct reading meter that would be used for testing the atmosphere inside the continuous batch washers (CBW) has expired 18 months earlier. The OSHRCS affirmed the citation.
Item 3 alleges a repeat violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.146(d)(4)(i), which states that an employer must:
(4) Provide the following equipment (specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (d)(4)(ix) of this section) at no cost to employees, maintain that equipment properly, and ensure that employees use that equipment properly: (i) Testing and monitoring equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
