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 confined space entry: a)Newtown Creek Digester Tank# 14, Employees working in a permit required confined space without the following: 1) A complete hazard assessment to identify all the hazards of a confined space which included potential engulfment. 2) Develop and implement the means, procedures and practices for safe permit space entry operation, such a briefing and debriefing of all personnel involved with entry. 3) Provide an attendant when working in a permit required confined space. 4) Provide communication equipment for attendants who are required to communicate with the entrants. 5) Make sure that the attendant remains directly outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved. 6) Ensure that the attendant performs no other duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrant. 7) Maintain ladders used to enter and exit the confined space. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to correct the hazardous condition may include: Following the recommendations of ANSI standard Z117.1 (Safety Requirements for Confined Space) as well as those of the National Utility Contractors Associated Confined Space Entry Manual and by adhering to the company's Safety, Health, and Environmental Program Manual. NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM, FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1,000.00 AS PER 29 CFR 1903.19.0