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 following hazards: a) On or about May 30, 1991 the employee applying Dupont Corlar 823- 9107 Coal tar epoxy, to the interior surfaces of sludge tanks was exposed (the hazard of asphixlation and/or death) to coal tar pitch volatiles organic solvents. The tank car was not monitored prior to entry for oxygen deficiency nor was periodic monitoring conducted during the one to two-hour period the employee was inside the tank. b) On or about June 30, 1991 welders entered dry sludge tanks, to conduct minor welding repairs. No initial monitoring for oxygen deficiency or combustible gases was conducted prior to entry. Among other methods,one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is implementation of an effective confined spaced entry procedure which requires the following: i) employees obtain written authorization, signed by at least one supervisor prior to confined space entry (confined space entry permit). The permit must indicate special precautions and time period for which it is valid. ii) Lock out, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may be put in motion or otherwise activated. iii) Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry and on a regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5 percent) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases (maximum 10 % LEL). When toxic substances, are encountered for which no testing equipment is available the confined space shall only be entered with the use of air supplied respiratory equipment and other personal protective equipment. iv) Establishment of a tag out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry. Marking should remain in place until testing indicates the space is safe for entry. v) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to and during entry to assure a safe atmosphere. vi) Written emergency resuce procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper rescue equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the confined space. Such equpment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescue employee msut be equipped with air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. vii) The confined space entry precedures shall be written and responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the procedures.