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 associated with confined space entry which may include asphyxiation when entering tank trailers with possible oxygen deficient atmospheres. a) On June 28, 1990, an employee entered the compartment of an Allied Chemical Tanker, Serial #H.S.B.118, trailer #T363, Illinois license plate #360312 to inspect the integrity of welds. The employee entered the truck at approximately 1:30 p.m. without monitoring for oxygen deficiency or filling out a tank entry permit, thereby exposing the employee to a potentially oxygen deficient atmosphere. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is the implementation of an adequate confined space entry program as specified in ANSI Z11.7 elements of a confined space entry program include, but are not limited to: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training. 2) The completion and posting of a warning sign and 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 designated by the employer, and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued vintilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and of a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% to 25%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. This includes the procedures to follow if hazardous conditions are detected and what levels are to be considered hazardous. 5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stattioned outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions or hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required or rescue, the rescuing employees must be equipped with approved air-supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. Note: Under no circumstances is the standby person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate assistance is present. 6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces. The training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.