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) Hobbie Street System number six, 1401-05 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60610 - the sanitary sewer pipe extension, approximately twenty feet below street level was not tested for oxygen sufficiency in accordance with American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z117.1, Safety Requirement for confined spaces. The employees had entered an existing sewer connection approximately one hundred feet east of the pipe opening. The employees had entered an active sewer (confined space) that had not been tested for oxygen sufficiency of at least 19.5% by volume. The sewer pipe was being connected to an existing sewer. A confined space entry procedure had been developed but was not implemented or enforced at the site. A confined space entry procedure shall be developed, implemented and enforced which is specific for entry, personal protective equipment, continuous monitoring for an explosive atmosphere and sufficient oxygen. Procedures shall follow American National Standard Institute, ANSI Z117.1 - 1989 and shall include at least the following. (1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, employee training, designation of a qualified person for standby and emergency 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 hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and the 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 of the space during operations to provide a safe atmosphere when required. (4) 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. (5) Emergency procedures with requirements that trained per- sonnel are available and are stationed outside the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space. Such equipment must include safety harness or lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confines space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied/self- contained breathing apparatus or other appropriate respiratory protection and other appropriate personal protective equipment. (6) Training shall be provided to all employees required to enter the confined space or assist in rescue/emergency ac- tivities. The training shall include the procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in the confined space. Use of protective, testing and rescue equipment.