Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1797284.015 - Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Cleveland Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 9:34 a.m. on January 10, 2025, an employee was directed to enter a 23,737-gallon rail tank car containing residues of PCBs and transformer oil to obtain wipe samples of the interior surfaces. The rail tank car was a permit-required confined space. The employee wore a full-face air-purifying respirator, chemical protective suit, boots, and gloves. Shortly after descending the temporary ladder to the tank bottom, the employee slowed, then fell forward and became unresponsive at the base of the ladder. Prior to entry, the tank car had not been mechanically ventilated, atmospheric monitoring was insufficient and not performed during entry, and non-entry rescue systems were inadequate-the tripod lacked a mechanical winch or lifeline, and the entrant was not wearing a full-body rescue harness. Oxygen levels inside the tank were as low as 5%, resulting in fatal asphyxiation.

Keywords: Asphyxiated, Confined Space, Lack of oxygen, Oxygen, Oxygen Deficiency, Respirator, Respiratory, Respiratory Tract, Tank, Tripod, Unresponsive