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: (a) Steel Smith Welding & Repair, 6725 Highway 10 West, Missoula, MT: On or about 12/7/91 employees were exposed to potential flammable, toxic, and oxygen deficient atmospheres as well as potential hazards to be encountered during rescue of personnel while entering a tank truck which previously contained gasoline without the benefit of comprehensive confined space entry pro- cedures in that elements such as, but not limited to, the follow- ing were not addressed: 1) Sufficient hazard identification and evaluation processes were not in place. 2) A confined space entry permit system was not in place. 3) Proper atmospheric testing was not done prior to and during confined space entry. 4) Appropriate ventilation procedures were not followed. 5) An emergency response rescue program was not in place. 6) Proper training of personnel was not conducted. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct these hazards is the implementation of a confined space entry program in accordance with ANSI Z117.1-1989.