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: a) Employees routinely (weekly) enter dry wells (cantex units) to perform inspections and routine maintenance. Employees are exposed to the hazards of possible toxic atmospheres or oxygen deficiencies, physical hazards (falling or tripping), electrical hazards, limited means of egress, poor natural ventilation, and restricted entry for rescue purposes. These hazards occur at cantex units (dry wells) located at Presidential Hill Lift Station, North Colony Lift Station, and Industrial Park Lift Station. One feasible method of abatement among other methods would be the implementation of a confined space entry procedure, including as a minumum the following: 1) Planning sessions by qualified persons. 2) Testing of atmosphere before entering. 3) Ventilation of confined space, before and during work in confined spaces. 4) Training for personnel. 5) Lockout/tagout of equipment. 6) Standby personnel with communication capabilities. 7) Use of proper tools and equipment (i.e. explosion proof lighting non-sparking tools). 8) Entry permit procedure. 9) Continuous monitoring of atmosphere for long term operations. 10) Recordkeeping.