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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: On or about 9/28/92, 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 hazard of severe lung damage or asphxiation from insufficient oxygen or high levels of air contaminats from welding or painting operations in confined spaces: a- Rich Manufacturing Corporation - Employees were required to enter potable water tanks to perform a visual inspection of the interior, welding and painting. The tanks, which are constructed of carbon steel, are 11 feet in diameter and range from 20 to 29 feet in length. The access hatch was 2 feet in diameter. The employer did not correctly evaluate the hazards of the confined space. The employer did not establish a written permit system to certify that all hazards have been evaluated. The employer did not provide training to employees in order that they may safely work in the tanks. The employer did not providfe, maintain or ensure the proper use of equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing and monitoring equipment. The employer did not ensure that procedures and equipment necessary to rescue employees from the tanks were implemented and provided. Condition noted on or about 9/28/92. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to: Implement a confined space entry procedure which includes, but is not limited to: 1- Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry. 2- Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks. 3- Issuing a proper entry permit prior to tank entry to ensure that all hazards have been evaluated. 4- Conduct atmospheric testing of tanks to determine potential oxygen deficiency and the presennce of air contaminants, prior to employee entry and during the time the employee is working in the tank. 5- Where it has been determined that the confined space contains a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an oxygen deficiency, using mechanically-induced ventilation in the confined space/tank before entry and during occupancy, as well as proper respiratory protection equipment, would ensure adequate protection against the hazards encountered. 6- Provisions and procedures for a standby observer located outside the confined space/tank, as well as readily available standby equipment (safety line, harness, etc.). 7- Ensure that confiend space entrants and attendants are properly trained. Training should include, but not be limited to: Hazard recognition, communication, protective equipment, and rescue procedures.