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 oxygen deficient and carbon dioxide enriched atmospheres: a) Employees in the Fermenting Area routinely enter and clean the interior of fermentation tanks that previously contained materials capable of generating hazardous atmospheres including carbon dioxide, June 20, 1987. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is the establishment and enforcement of a confined space entry program consisting of the following: a) Written standard operating procedures. b) An entry permit system. c) Blanking/isolating equipment. d) Atmospheric testing to determine the presence of oxygen deficiency, toxic agents and comubustible gases prior to entry and during the occupancy fo the confined space. e) Training of personnel in the hazards that may be encountered, proper work practices, and the use of protective and rescue equipment. f) Standby personnel with adequate means of communication with those working in the confined space. g) Emergency procedures and equipment.