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 ans 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: Employees were required to enter a tank for the purpose of cleaning the inside of the tank and the employer did not implement an adequate confined tank entry program to protect those employees against the hazards connected with tank entry. The employer shall enforce the use of a written tank entry program for all employees required to enter a tank. The program shall include but is not limited to: 1) That employees obtain written authorization, signed by the supervisor. Such authorization must indicated special precaution to be undertaken while working in a confined space. 2) Testing of tank atmosphere for adequate oxygen content, explosibility and presence of toxic materials. Testing is to be performed before entry into the confined space and at intervals during occupancy of the confined space to ensure a safe atmosphere. 3) That mechanical ventilation shall be employed before entry is made and shall be conducted during occupancy of the confined space to ensure a safe atmosphere. 4) That emergency rescue procedures be established with a requirements that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the tank. Such equipment must include safety harness and/or wristlets and lifeline with provisions for moving employees from the confined space. The rescue personnel must be equipped with approved air supply respiratory equipment, or other appropriate personal protective equipment. 5) That the confined space entry procedure shall be written and all affected employees shall be adequately trained in all aspects of the procedure.