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) Procedures were inadequate for entering and welding on water lines, number 3 department area, in manhole between canteen and dispensary: 1) There were no written confined spaces entry procedures available. 2) Employees and supervisors were not trained in safe confined spaces entry (C.S.E.) procedures. 3) C.S.E. procedures did not include the one of a permit system, with management "sign off" (authorization) and hazard control check list. 4) C.S.E. Procedures did not include provisions for testing for oxygen and combustible gas/vapor levels or monitoring the air for toxic materials. 5) Warning labels and safety instructional signs were not posted in the area of C.S.E. 6) Preparation for C.S.E. work did not include provisions to assure that ventilation was adequate, electrical equipment was safe, or that work practices were proper (welding). 7) The use of a stand by worker was not properly understood, as to his function while C.S.E. work was in progress or during an emergency. 8) The welder and pipefitter was not provided with a lifeline and harness. 9) There was no self contained breathing apparatus immediately available for C.S.E. emergency. Among other methods one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop a confined spaces entry program.