Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(E)(1): Employees entered into permit spaces that met the conditions set forth in 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(5)(i) but continuous forced air ventilation was not used to eliminate any hazardous atmosphere prior to allowing an employee to enter the space: (a) On or about April 26, 2017, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure that continuous forced air ventilation was utilized to eliminate potential hazardous atmospheres while employees were required to enter a permit required confined space (fermenters) using alternate procedures to perform yeast pushing activities. Fermenters were equipped with a vacuum-like ventilation system that drew in fresh air from an open lid on the foam chamber, which created a negative pressure atmosphere in the space. (b) On or about April 26, 2017, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure that continuous forced air ventilation was utilized to eliminate potential hazardous atmospheres while employees were required to enter a permit required confined space (fermenters) using alternate procedures to perform cleaning activities such as placing and retrieving cleaning jets. Fermenters were equipped with a vacuum-like ventilation system that drew in fresh air from an open lid on the foam chamber, which created a negative pressure atmosphere in the space. Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (See enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action" worksheet.)