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

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 toxic and potentially oxygen deficient atmospheres during entry into confined spaces: a) B.C. Hauling Co., motor barge #31, forward, starboard holding tank. Employees enter confined space tanks containing decomposing clam entrails without conducting pre-entry atmospheric testing. Decomposing clam entrails generate ammonia gas and potential oxygen deficient atmospheres. ABATEMENT NOTE: One feasible and acceptable method of abatement to correct this hazard is to implement and utilize a confined space entry program which include at least the following essential elements: 1) Instructions as to the nature of the hazards involved and necessary precautions to be taken relative to confined space entry. 2) Posting of written confined space entry procedures adjacent to tanks, vessels or other confined space area which may be entered. 3) Use of cleaning, purging and ventilation procedures to remove slude and other residue prior to confined space entry. 4) Implementation of established lockout and isolation procedures, other applicable and issuance of a proper entry permit prior to confined space entry. 5) Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of hazardous air contaminants and potential oxygen deficiency prior to entry into the confined space. 6) Where it has been determined that the confined space contains hazardous air contaminant level and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of mechanically induced ventialtion in the confined space before entry and during occupancy and/or use of respiratory protective equipment which provides adequate protection against the hazard(s) encountered. 7) Use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment, including safety harnesses and safety lines. 8) Provisions for a safety observer located outside the confined space and a means of communication with the worker inside the confined space and a means of obtaining immediate help in an emergency. 9) Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby equipment consisting of a safety lines and harness arrangement and self-contained breathing apparatus certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 10) Implementation of periodic training sessions relative to confined space entry, rescue and first aid procedures.