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: a) On June 8, 1990 a powerhouse generator technician was exposed to a hazardous atmosphere inside the No. 3 turbine oil recirculation sump (confined space) for the purpose of cleaning sludge with 1,1,1-trichloroethane. b) During the July 1990 mill shutdown plywood plant employees were exposed to potentially hazardous atmospheres inside two twenty-foot formaldehyde resin reactor vessels when required to enter the vessels through the top manhole for the purpose of cleaning and repairing the insides. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is the development and implementation of confined space entry procedures to include the following elements as a minimum: 1) An accurate and updated inventory of all confined space hazards to include location, description of hazards, reason for entry, and number of employees required to conduct work inside. 2) Written procedures covering reasons and conditions of entry, atmospheric testing, maintenance of safe atmosphere (ventilation) rescue procedures and equipment, respiratory equipment, fit testing and employee training. 3) Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to confined space that may create a hazard during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated. 4) Test the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space and on a regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic and/or flammable vapors (maximum 10% LEL). When toxic substances are present for which no equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 5) Establish a tag out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry (see 4). Marking is to remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe. 6) Written 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. For spaces which present a difficulty entering or leaving, such equipment must include a 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 and trained with approved rescue respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment.