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: a) Inadequate procedures for entering and working in a confined space exposed employees to the hazards of oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide, explosion and fire up entering the #1 condenser located in the zinc dust department. The procedures were inadequate for the following reasons: 1) The atmosphere of the condenser was not tested for oxygen content and flammability prior to initial entry into the confined space. 2) No provisions were made for continuous monitoring while employees were inside the condenser. 3) The MSA Universal sampling pump, used for carbon monoxide testing was not leak tested or calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction. 4) Preparation for entry into the condenser did not include provisions to assure that ventilation was adequate or the work practices were proper. 5) Lifelines and harnesses were not used nor was such equipment immediately available. 6) Self-contained breathing apparatus were not immediately available at the condenser. 7) Employees and supervisors were not trained in the health and safety hazards associated with confined space work and were unfamiliar with proper entry and rescue techniques. 8) There were no provisions for medical surveillance of personnel performing confined space entry work. 9) Confined space entry procedures did not include the use of a permit system with management "sign - off" (authorization) and hazard/ controls.