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 hazard of inhalation of toxic substances. (a) Employees were exposed to the hazard of inhalation of toxic substances, asphyxiation and/or fire or explosion during entry or working in a confined space situation. On or about 6/11/92, employees were allowed to enter transport tanker that had previously contained hazardous substance, such as, but not limited to, gasoline, jet fuel or asphalt, to perform repair jobs where employees may engage in welding or grinding processes. Among other hazards within an uncontrolled confined space, employees could suffer death from lack of oxygen, central nervous system effects from chemical inhalation or severe burns and/or death should an explosion or fire occur. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement methos to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry program which includes, but not limited to, the following items. 1. Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved and the necessary precautions to be taken relative to the confined space entry. 2. Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tankers or other confined space areas which may be entered. 3. Implementation of established lockout/tagout and isolation procedures, where applicable and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to tanker (confined space) entry. 4. Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of the equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing, monitoring, communication and personal protective equipment.