Abstract: On October 21, 1997, several employees were in progress of performing maintenance operations at the Wheelabrator McKay Bay, Inc. facility. Metal shields were being replaced at the "exit" side of Incinerator L-3. The work area was a confined space that was reclassified into a non-permit space, after a platform was installed over the ash-cooling trough, providing it with guardrail protection. Employees of E & D Maintenance and Repair, Inc. were replacing metal shields using a scaffold that was installed over the trough. Employee #1 was not familiar with the hazards associated with the confined space and took it upon himself to retrieve a bolt used during installation of the shields, despite warnings from co-workers. The bolt was dropped into the trough and was lying on top of a crust of ashes. The ash crust appeared to be solid. However, below the ash crust, water, used to cool the ashes, was at a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The water was caustic and the employee did not know that the area was very slippery. Employee #1 inadvertently fell into the pit, suffering third-degree burns on 75 percent of his body. The employee died from his injuries about 10 days after the accident. This was the first day on the job for Employee #1. The company had not trained employee on how to perform his duties safely while inside a confined space.