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 physiological effects of asphyxiation and the hazard of inhalation of a toxic substance and/or fire or explosion during entry and while working in a confined space situation. a) On or about October 12,1988, employees were required to enter and work in a 250,000 gallon steel tank applying flammable and toxic materials to the wall and floors of the tank. Employees could suffer central nervous system damage, and/or respiratory system damage due to the chemical inhalation, death due to oxygen deficiency (Anoxia) and severe burns should a fire/explosion result, among other hazards within uncontrolled confined spaces. Among othe methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to: Implement a confined space entry procedure which includes, but is not limited to the following items: 1) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks or other confined space areas which may be entered. 2) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures, where applicable, and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to tank/confined space entry. 3) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen deficiency and flammable/explosive atmosphere prior to entry to tank/confined space and as needed prior to re-entry. 4) Where it has been determined that confined space contains a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventilation in the confined space/tank before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the hazards encountered. 5) Provisions for a standby observer located outside the confined space with a means of communication with the worker inside the confined space and a means of obtaining immedicate help in an emergency. 6) Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby equipment consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a seat containing breathing apparatus certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 7) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures.