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 a toxic and/or asphyxiation hazard while performing a cleaning operation using a halogenated organic solvent inside of a sealed room: a) M.F. Bank - The Restoration Company at Mrs. Pauls Kitchens, Inc., 5501 Tabor Rd, Phila, Pa., Motor Control Center - Two (2) Supervisor/ Technicians, and five (5) Subcontractor skilled laborer were required to perform two (2) separate cleaning operations inside of a sealed room (i.e. confined space) on October 3, 1992. The supervisor/technicians were performing an electrical component cleaning operation utilizing a solution of 90 Freon TF690 and 10isopropyl alcohol, applied with a high powered airless sprayer. The room had no existing mechanical ventilation, the workers wore no respiratory protection, and standard confined space entry precautions were not followed. The workers were exposed to a toxic and/or asphyxiation hazard which may have resulted in death or serious physical harm. Observed 10/6/93 b) M.F. Bank - The Restoration Company at Mrs. Pauls Kitchens, Inc., 5501 Tabor Rd, Phila, Pa., Emergency Lighting Room -Three (3) Supervisor/ Technicians, and six (6) Subcontractor skilled laborer were required to perform two (2) separate cleaning operations inside of a sealed room (i.e. confined space) on October 4, 1992. The supervisor/technicians were performing an electrical component cleaning operation utilizing a solution of 90 Freon TF690 and 10isopropyl alcohol, applied with a high powered airless sprayer. The room had no existing mechanical ventilation, the workers were wearing either no respiratory protection or inappropriate respiratory protection, and standard confined space entry precautions were not followed. The workers were exposed to a toxic and/or asphyxiation hazard which may have resulted in the death one (1) worker and the hospitalization of six (6) others. Observed 10/6/93 ABATEMENT NOTE: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement a comprehensive confined space entry program, which would include the following elements as a minimum: 1. All personnel assigned to work in confined areas shall be properly trained in safe entry and rescue procedures. The training shall provide a working knowledge and understanding of any and all hazards that may exist. 2. Entry into confined spaces shall be by written entry permit, issued by the responsible supervisor or other qualified person. The permit must include a checklist of precautions to be reviewed prior to entry and document the location and type of work to be done. The permit must be dated and identify the expiration time (usually limited to an 8 to 10 hour shift). 3. Atmospheric Testing - The enclosed space must be tested for the following prior to and during any entry: (a) Oxygen Content - The oxygen content must be between 19.5 and 22.0at all of the lower explosive limit). (b) Flammability - The atmosphere must be nonexplosive (i.e. less than 10of the lower explosive limit). (c) Toxicity - The atmosphere must be tested to ensure the absence of toxic concentration of vapors. 4. Ventilation - A system of positive ventilation must be provided, prior to and during the entire entry period, through the use of fans, portavents, air movers, or by adequate natural drafts. 5. Personal protective equipment - personal protective equipment is not an adequate substitute for safe working conditions, adequate ventilation, or safe working practices. Personal protective equipment can include, but is not limited to, an approved respirator which provides an appropriate level of protection, hard hat, safety glasses (or goggles), gloves, and appropriate full body covering. 6. Area Safety Equipment - Any person entering the enclosed area must be fitted with a safety harness and lifeline. The lifeline must be secured outside the entrance. A hoisting device or other effective means must be provided to lift employees out of the space. 7. Safety Standby Personnel - An additional person(s) must be available at the confined area entrance and in the sight of the personnel inside at all times. Standby personnel must be equipped with proper safety equipment and adequate communication equipment to summon additional help if necessary. Standby personnel must not enter the enclosed area without appropriate safety and personal protective equipment and additional standby personnel must be present at the time of entry.