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

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): General requirements. If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. At an establishment located at N2915 County Road AB in Luxemburg, Wisconsin: a) In the Whey Department - CP Process Room, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. Whey Operator employees were exposed to potential combustible dust, atmospheric, thermal, and mechanical hazards when entering the Milk Minerals Dryer (MMD). Employees were required to enter the permit-required confined space to conduct activities such as, but not limited to, collecting filter bags, sweeping the inside of the dryer, and foam sanitizing the inside of the dryer. b) In the Perm Dryer room 2-201, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. Perm Operator employees were exposed to potential atmospheric, mechanical, and combustible dust hazards when entering the Perm Dryer. Employees were required to enter the permit-required confined space to conduct activities such as, but not limited to, pull spray nozzles for cleaning and reinstallation of the spray nozzles after the clean-in place (CIP) system finished cleaning the inside of the dryer. c) The employer did not develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. Perm Operator employees were exposed to potential atmospheric and combustible dust hazards when entering the West Baghouse of the Perm Dryer. Employees were required to enter the permit-required confined space to conduct activities such as, but not limited to, cleaning and inspecting the air tubes for the pulsers. d) The employer did not develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. Perm Operator employees were exposed to potential atmospheric and combustible dust hazards when entering the East Baghouse ducts of the Perm Dryer. Employees were required to enter the permit-required confined space to conduct activities such as, but not limited to, cleaning and inspecting the ductwork. e) The employer did not develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. Utility Operator employees were exposed to potential atmospheric and engulfment hazards when entering the Advanced Cheese Vats (ACVs). Employees were required to enter the permit-required confined space to conduct activities such as, but not limited to, taking samples, pouring ingredients, and rinsing the mixing blades. All provisions of 29 CFR 1910.146(c) through (k) must be covered in a written permit required confined space (PRCS) program. Key elements include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Evaluation of all spaces for PRCS 2) PRCS entry permit program 3) Training of affected, entrant, attendant and supervisor employees' duties 4) Emergency rescue plan and assessment of the rescue service.