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/or 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 hazards of oxygen deficiency and/or flammable and/or toxic atmospheres inside a storm sewer manhole. a. On or about January 5, 1993, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazards associated with improper confined space entry while making and checking a connection to a storm sewer manhole. Prior to entry, a confined space entry procedure was not developed and implemented, ie: employees had not been trained in the hazards associated with working in confined spaces, employees had not been trained in proper confined space entry procedures, suitable emergency rescue training and equipment was not provided, appropriate atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment had not been provided nor had employees been provided training in the limitations and proper use of such equipment. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is to establish, implement and enforce an adequate plant confined space entry program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1989, American National Standard Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces. Such a program shall include, as a minimum, the following elements: 1. Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures and employee training. 2. The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3. Blinding, blocking, bleeding, purging, lockout or any other steps necessary to reduce to and ensure zero mechanical and thermal state all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazard to employees during entry or while working in the confined space should any of these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated. A worker individual lock is to be applied and a unique situation tag shall be attached to the lock and energizing or activating controls or devices. 4. Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 5. Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 6. Emergency rescue procedures with requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 7. Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces and all employees required to standby for rescue. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry, during occupation of the confined space, procedures for safe rescue of employees in the confined space and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.