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) Employees enter confined spaces (truck tankers) to perform internal tank cleaning operations and are exposed to the potential hazards of oxygen deficiency, toxic substances, and flammable/combustible gases. Possible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are: 1) Train employees in the appropriate procedures and controls for entry, emphasizing that entry without the appropriate precautions can be fatal and that their senses are unable to detect and evaluate the severity of atmospheric hazards. 2) Train employees in the proper use of all personal protective equipment, including respirators and clothing required for entry, and require the use of the equipment. 3) Use mechanical ventilation to thoroughly ventilate the confined space prior to entry and during the work being performed to ensure that conditions are safe. 4) Train employees in the appropriate emergency rescue procedures and have adequate means to retrieve the employee inside the tanker, such as tripod with winch.