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 hazard of written confined space entry procedures not being established and enforced to protect the worker hand drying the interior compartments of tank trucks from the recognized hazards of being overcome by toxic vapors or oxygen deficient atmospheres, on or about 11/21/86. Among other methods to correct this hazard is to establish procedures which include the following: a) Establishment of an entry permit system in which a qualified competent person signs and issues the permit. The permit is an authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be done, certifies that all existing hazards have been evaluated ny a qualified competent person and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. b) Requiring that emergency rescue equipment be available in the immediate area of confined space so that rescue can be performed almost immediately if needed. An appropriate harness or other effective device should be worn by person(s) in the confined space to facilitate rescue. c) Requiring that someone be readily available in the immediate area of the confined space who is currently trained in emergency rescue, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid procedures. d) Requiring only individuals that are physically fit for the job to enter confined spaces. e) Establishment of a training program which includes: emergency entry and exit procedures, use of applicable respirators, first aid, lockout procedures for safety equipment, use rescue and training drills, permit systems, and applicable good work practice.