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: On or about August 15, 1995, at the Orchard view Elementary School, the confined space manhole which had been covered prior to employees arrival, was not monitored for oxygen deficiency or hazardous atmospheres before entry was made. The space was also not monitored after entry was made by the employees and the space was filling with Bio-Residuals, (sewage). After entry of the Bio-Residuals, the atmosphere of the manhole contained 137 ppm of Hydrogen Sulfide, (H2S), which exceeds the PEL of 20ppm. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method would be to follow the procedures for confined space entry as described in ANSI Z117.1 - 1989, and NIOSH Publication Criteria .... A Guide To Safety In Confined Spaces.