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 atmospheres immediately dangerous when they entered tanks on or before 3/7/89, due to the presence of methylene chloride and/or lack of oxygen. Employer failed to execute a tank entry program, which included appropriate testing, training of personnel and indentifying, selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment and tools. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry program. One feasible and acceptable program would be the following: Establish and implement a written tank entry program to include at least the following: a) Require inspection and evaluation by a competent person and limit job authorization to the competent person. Such input for authorization shall address: 1) Evaluation of the tank content. 2) Necessity of and use of ventilation. 3) Monitoring results as to acceptable oxygen content (greater than 19.5% oxygen) and acceptable levels of air contaminants including % of lower explosive limit. 4) Appropriate tools to be utilized such as non-sparking tools and protected illumination sources. 5) Correct personal protection equipment such as respiratory protection and protective clothing. 6) Appropriately equipped standby personnel with rescue capabilities. b) Require a written authorization by the competent person for entry into each tank. Such an authorization shall include visual display at the tank. c) Establish ventilation and monitoring protocol for the type of material in each tank that shall include at least: 1) The ventilation needed and extent of the ventilation such as "continuously" if appropriate. 2) Monitoring of the tank for oxygen content and hazardous material present in the air d) Establish rescue procedures appropriate for possible atmosphere conditions to be encountered from cleaning the tank. e) Train operating personnel to assure adherence to the written program.