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 on or about 3/14/90 employees working on a cement crew were exposed to the hazards of fire, explosives and/or oxygen deficient atmosphere due to performing work in and underground utility unit at the water pumping station located at 25 W 376 Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL. The investigation revealed that the crew did not follow adequate confined space entry procedures in that no testing of the vault was conducted to determine the presence of sufficient oxygen and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases of vapors prior to entry, no standby person was designated with suitable rescue equipment, the vault was not posted with a warning sign, and an entry permit system was not implemented. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish and enforce and adequate Confined Space Entry Program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977, Safety Requirements for working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. Such a Program shall include, as a minumum, the following elements: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training. 2) The completion and posting of a warning sign and 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 designated by the employer, 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 as described in (2) above. 4) Testing ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5% to 25%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible 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 pesons entering 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 rescue, the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. Note: Under no circumstances is the standby person to enter the confined space until assured that adequate assistance is present. 6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the confined spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry and hazards associated with work in confined spaces.