Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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 the hazards associated with the inhalation of beryllium dust, the hazard of drowning, and/or death due to oxygen deficient atmosphere while cleaning and/or performing repair in the pit. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement to correct this hazard is to institute a formal confined space entry program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977 American National Standard on Safety Requirements For Working in Tanks and Other Confined Spaces. An acceptable confined space entry program consists of, but is not limited to, the following: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures 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 (competent) 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 as described in (2) above. 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, 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 as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and/or wristlets and lifelines 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. 6) 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 spaces. NOTE: The employer is not limited to the abatement method suggested above, the method explained is general and may not be effective in all cases.