Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A 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) An employee routinely entered mixing tanks without the employer establishing proper confined-space entry procedures to protect employees from recognized hazards of being overcome by oxygen deficient atmospheres. A feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, lockout procedures and employee training. Conduct periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the procedures. 2) The completion and posting of a confined space entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3) Lockout, blocking, stopping and reducing machines to zero mechanical and thermal state of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazard during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise activatd. A workers individual lock is to be applied and a unique situation tag shall be attached to the lock and energizing controls. 4) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 5) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 6) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue or personsentering the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and life lines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required for a rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 7) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined space.