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 the hazards of oxygen-deficient atmospheres while conducting maintenance work in speed tester pits: The company's confined space entry procedure was deficient for employees entering speed tester pits to change arbors and conduct other maintenance work. The procedure deficiencies included the failure to test for sufficient oxygen (19.5%) prior to employees entering the confined space, not having emergency rescue procedures, and not training employees on confined space procedures. A feasible and acceptable method to correct these deficiencies to the company's program is to establish a written confined space entry program that will establish management controls over the work being performed and shall contain as a minimum, but not necessarily limited to, the following elements. a) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures and employee training. b) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective measures have been taken to assure the safety of each worker. c) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere when determined necessary as described in (b) above. d) Testing of the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a regular basis for the presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors when determined as necessary as described in (b) above. When toxic substances are present for which no equipment to test the atmosphere are available, the employee shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of air supplied respirator equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. e) Ensure the lock-out, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazard during entry or where maintenance or repair work is to be performed should these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated. f) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide rescue of persons entering the space as determined necessary as described in (b) above. Such equipment must include safety harnesses and lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined spaces. If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) must be equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or other equivalent respiratory protection plus other appropriate personal protective equipment. g) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined space. This training shall include the procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.