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 the employees were exposed to: Worksite: The employer did not develop and implement an adequate confined space entry procedure to protect the employee from the hazards of asphyxia and combustible gasses when they are required to enter manholes in the street in the performance of their duties. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to develope standard procedures for safe entry which can include, but are not limited to: A. Entry into confined space shall be by permit only. 1. Permit shall carry the date of entry and authorized duration of the entry. 2. Permit shall be specific for the location and type of work to be accomplished. 3. Permit shall also include: a. Measures taken to control potential hazards. b. Personnel protective equipment required. c. atmospheric testing equipment with the procedures needed for operation and interperation of the data. d. Acceptable enviromental conditions. e. Personnel training and authorized entrants and standby personnel. g. Communication procedures. h. Emergency procedures: Emergency telephone numbers Location of first aid kit B. Personnel shall be equipped with: 1. Safety harness 2. Safety line or (equivalent retrieval gear to rescue personnel from the hazardous atmospheres). C. Standby personnel with suitable self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). These personnel shall be located nearest the fresh air base for emergency rescue. Communications shall be maintained between all personnel present. D. Entry into the confined space shall be prohibited until initial monitoring of the atmosphere has been accomplished. The monitoring shall include, but are not necessarily limited to: 1. Oxygen content 2. Toxic substance levels 3. Flammable gasses. % lower explosive level. E. All entrances to the confined spaces shall be posted. Signs shall include: 1. Danger 2. Confined space 3. Entry by permit only F. Emergency procedure including: 1. Telephone numbers for: a. Fire department b. Police department c. Emergency medical services shall be posted conspicuously within the immediate area of the confined spaces(s) or at the radio/telephone from which emergency help would be summoned. G. Employees shall review the guidelines for safe entry and emergency exit procedures before entering the confined spaces. Guidelines shall address the following: a. Atmosphere testing (within confined space) b. Purging and ventilation c. Isolation/Lockout/Tagout (if applicable) d. Gas source disconection (if applicable) e. Cleaning f. Equipment and tools required to perform the assignment