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: On 11/16/89, employees working as welding specialist senior classifi- cation, and security EMT's entered enclosed or confined spaces (com- ponent #5 D 21319., 102, Bldg., 49N, column E - 27) as part of their job duties. The component had the potential for oxygen deficient atmosphere in that Argon, an inert gas was being used in the component. Employees were exposed to serious injury and/or death from possible Argon asphyxia. The employer failed to comply with acceptable methods listed below: One feasible and acceptable method, among others to correct this hazard would be to provide the following: 1. Review of salary job classifications to determine potential for confined space entry. 2. Review of written procedures covering the permit system, venti- lation, atmospheric testing and employee training. Conduct periodic evaluation on the effectiveness of the procedure. 3. Training of all potentially exposed employees including rescue teams who may enter confined space. This training shall include pro- cedures required prior to entry, the hazards associated with work in confined space, and procedures to be followed regarding rescue and/or retrieval, including use of retrieval and rescue equipment furnished. 4. Assure that approved air supplied respiratory equipment shall be readily available for use in the event rescue required entry into con- fined spaces. with unknown.