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) Employees entered confined spaces such as grain bins, tanks of plant #1 & #2, and the lower level of plant #1 (where moist was present), for cleaning, maintenance work, disinfecting preparation and to dislodge material. Employees were exposed to potential hazards of asphyxiation and chemical poisoning from oxygen deficiency and toxic gases, including being buried in the material, fumigants, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide. A feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, standby and emergency procedures, rescue procedures (including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance), and employee training. 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) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary in #2 above. 4) Testing of 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 gases or vapors, when determined necessary as described in #2 above. 5) 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 of persons entering the space and a system of obtaining additional assistance in an emergency situation (such as an alarm or air horn), when determined necessary as described in #2 above. Such equipment must include a safety harness and life line with provisions for hoisting or pulling employees from the confined space (a boatswains chair the meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D may also be used), and a means to lower a stretcher from areas only accessible by ladder be readily available. If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with an approved air supplied respirator and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces. This training shall include procedures required priorto entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.