Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED

5(a)(1): 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. An employee was exposed to an atmosphere immediately dangerous to life when he entered the confined space of the manhole at Riverside Drive and Madison, Lakewood, Ohio, at a depth of about 10 feet for the purpose of sealing the connection of a new sewer line into the existing manhole. The employee was exposed to the potential hazards of an oxygen deficient atmosphere and/or toxic/combustible gases and vapors. The employer failed to implement a confined space entry program which would assure work performed within the confined space area could be accomplished safely. A feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to: 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 necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Emergency rescue procedures with a 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 rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 6. Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.