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

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 the hazard of Methl Chloroform exposure during confined space entry: a) Mixing Area of Mulberry Street Facility; Maintenance man of Craig Adhesives entered mixing vessel #2 (1,000 gallon 10x6 tank with entry port 2' by 5') to conduct maintenance on bearings of agitator blades without following adaquate confined space entry procedures. Violation observed on or about 10/5/90 Among other methods, on feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry procedure which includes but is not limited to the procedures outlines in ANSI Z117-1989. 1) Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry. 2) Written confined space entry procedures are to provided to each mechanic. A permit system with authorized sign-off must be implemented. 3) Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures where applicable, and issurance of proper entry permit prior to entry. 4) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of hazardous air contaminants, potential Oxygen deficiency and flammable/explosive atmospheric prior to entry using a calibrated, reliable instrument. 4a) Atmospheric testing for Oxygen deficiency and toxic vapors should be conducted in all area of the tank, including the center, corners and areas remote to the immediate occupied area throughout the mixing vessels. 4b) Periodic monitoring during cleaning operation should be conducted by qualified personnel. 5) Where it has been determined that confined space contains a hazardous concentration of an air contaminant and/or an Oxygen deficient atmosphere mechanically, ventilation shall be used in the confined space prior to entry and occupancy. Additional protection such as the use of respiratory protective equipment (postiive pressure self- contained breathing apparatus) against the hazards encountered if mechanical ventilation is not provided or proves inadequate. 6) Provisions and procedures for stand by observer located outside the confined space to have readily available stand by equipment consisting of a safety line and harness and/or wristlets attached to appropriate hoisting machines and a pressure demand self-contained breathing apparatus approved by NIOSH. a) Stand by observer shall be dressed as a minimum with the same personal protective equipment (PPE) on as the actual worker. b) Stand by observer shall be continously within voice or visual range. 7) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined space entry, rescue and first aid procedures.