Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED

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 employees were exposed to the hazards of confined space entry into newly fabricated gas tanks when performing alterations. Exposures to unknown levels of styrene and acetone exist, on or about 8/16/85. Among othe methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this "hazard" is to establish procedures which include the following: a) Establishment of a written Entry Permit System Program in which a qualified person signs and issues the Entry Permit which indicates compliance with all procedures to eliminate potential hazards. (Reference, NIOSH Criteria For a Recommended Standard, Working in Confined spaces, Section 3, Permit System P.6, American National Standards Institue, Safety Requirements for Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces, Z117.1-1977, Section 5.1, Page 16. b) The written Entry Permit System Program should include provisions assuring the following: i) Supervision, standby personnel and mechanics are properly trained in confined space entry hazards. ii) A standby person is assigned to be immediately available outside of the confined space to be ready to assist the mechanic in the event of an emergency. iii) Emergency procedures and location of first aid and rescue equipment are known to the standby person. iv) A person trained in basic first aid procedures and cardio-pulmonary resusitation is readily available. v) Proper respiratory equipment is worn by the mechanic. vi) Tools and equipment are approved for use in Class 1, Division I Hazardous locations.