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 to each if his employees a place of employment which was 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 hazard of being in a permit required confined space where the attendant was not present at all times. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to have an attendant monitor the confined space at all times while the entrant is in the confined space and to remain at the entry point until relieved by another attendant or until the entry is completed or terminated in accordance with ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 Section 7.1.3.5 - 1995. The employer did not ensure the attendant remained at the entry point until the entry was completed. This violation was most recently observed at the employer's worksite located near the intersection of Ella Blvd. and Rankin Rd. Houston, TX, 77067 on or about April 24, 2009, and times prior thereto, where employees entered a permit required confined space that was not being monitored by an attendant while the entrant was in the permit required confined space. Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that permit required confined space attendants remain at the entry point until relieved by another attendant of until the entry is completed or terminated. The violation must be abated no later than twenty (20) days from the receipt of this citation. Disclaimers: 1. You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2. The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3. The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate method of abatement.