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

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 written confined entry procedures not being implemented and enforced to protect employees cleaning/removing sludge inside confined spaces, such as but not limited to eliminators, from the recognized hazards of being overcome by toxic vapors or exposed above Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL): Location: 3rd floor, Eliminators on Modular Spray Booth Lines 1 through 7, Tarrytown Plant: a) On or about 10/12/92 and 10/19/92 and 12/14/92 Employees were allowed to enter and work inside confined spaces such as eliminators, approximate dimensions 25 feet by 8 feet 7 inches by 6 feet, without necessary precautions being taken. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct these hazards is to implement and enforce 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 spaces 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 necessary as described in (b) above. e) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment ot provide resuce 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, lifting, or otherwise removing employees from the confined space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) or must be equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or other equivalent respiratory protection plus other appropriate protective equipment. f) 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. This would include the wearing of a body harness and tended lifeline attached to a hoist or jib; emergency entry and exit procedures ; use of applicable respirators first aid; lockout procedures for safety equipment; use rescue and training drills; permit systems; and applicable good work practices.