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

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect employee health or respirators are required by the employer, a written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 1910.134(c)(1)(i) - (ix) with worksite specific procedures was not established and implemented: The employer had not developed and implemented a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use that complied with 29 CFR 1910.134(c), included but not limited to: (1) Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace in compliance with 1910.134(d); (2) Medical evaluation of employees required to use respirators in compliance with 1910.134(e); (3) Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators in compliance with 1910.134(f); (4) Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations in compliance with 1910.134(g); (5) Procedures for schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators in compliance with 1910.134(h); (6) Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators in compliance with 1910.134(i); (7) Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed to during routine and emergency situations in compliance with 1910.134(k); (8) Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance in compliance with 1910.134(k); (9) Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program in compliance with 1910.134(l); and (10) Designating a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of the program effectiveness. On or about November 14, 2017, and at times prior thereto, in the frac tank wash rack area, employees were required to wear tight-fitting respirators including, but not limited to, 3M 7503 half-face piece respirators with 3M 6002 cartridges without the protection afforded by a respiratory protection program. Employees routinely entered tanks that had been used in oil/gas field hydraulic fracturing operations to perform tasks such as pressure washing. Employees were exposed to the hazards of potential oxygen deficient atmospheres and/or inhalation of toxic gases or vapors.