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 an employee was exposed to hot asphalt and a confined space inside the asphalt roofing tanker which was located in the repair area of the main facility. The employee entered the hot asphalt tanker to repair a value which was only accessible from inside the tanker. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to prepare and implement a comprehensive contained space entry program to include the following: 1. Written procedures for work performed in confined spaces including: a) Procedures covering selection, use, limitations, and maintenance of self-contained breathing apparatus or airline respirators; b) Procedures covering the use of 5-minute, emergencyescape, self-contained breathing apparatus; c) Procedures covering the use of oxygen concentration, toxic and combustible gas monitors for atmosphere testing within confined spaces; d) A permit system for entry into confined spaces; e) Rescue and training; f) Procedures covering standby personnel with suitable rescue equipment; g) Procedures covering the use of appropriate safety equipment such as lifeline and body harnesses. 2. Training procedures for work performed in confined spaces including: a) All personnel working in confined spaces shall be trained and informed about any hazards (fire, explosive, heat, asphyxiation and etc.) they may encounter in connection with the work they are about to perform: b) Rescue standby worker(s) shall be trained in rescue techniques, first-air, and resuscitation: c) Personnel assigned to test confined space atmospheres shall be trained in the proper use of gas detector equipment, Also, their knowledge of testing methods and equipment use shall be periodically tested. 3. Pre-entry procedures for confined spaces including: a) Where applicable, the following atmosphere tests shall be performed by a competent person prior to allosing employees by a competent space: i) Oxygen deficiency test to detect levels of oxygen below 19.5%: ii) Combustible gas test to detect the presence of combustible gases and vapors: iii) Toxic gas test to detect presence of toxic gases likely to be encountered: iv) Test equipment shall be caliprated pre-& postentry. %% b) All valves and switches connect with the operation of the confined space shall be closed and locked to prevent accidental introduction of contaminants on starting of equipment within the confined space; c) Confined spaces shall be purged for as long as necessary to reduce any contaminants to safe levels: d) All sources of ignition shall be removed if flammable or combustible materials are present or capable of being produced; e) Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be provided as may be necessary; 4. Confined space work procedures including: a) Continuous ventilation shall be provided during occupancy when a contaminant is being continuously generated or an approved air-supplied breathing apparatus shall be provided: b) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be under observation of or in communication with a compstent standby rescue worker(s) outside the hazardous location: c) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be pro-vided with a rescue harness, safety belt and a proper lifeline; d) Personnel working in confined spaces shall be provided with an air-supplied respirator or 5-minute, emergency-escape, self-contained breathing apparatus: e) Respirators, either supplied-air or self-contained, shall be immediately available for use by the rescue worker(s). The respirators shall be in a constant state of readiness: f) Monitoring of the confined space during operations shall be conducted periodically during work operations to ensure a safe working environment.