Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 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: On or about May 12, 2009, and times thereto, employees of C & C Welding, Inc., were exposed to an explosion hazard as they worked to install a gauge pole in the 67,000 barrel unleaded fuel tank #1303. An attendant is required to be stationed at the entrance of the confined space any time an employee enters the space. The employer did not ensure that the attendant remained at the confined space entrance whenever an employee was inside. Not having an attendant at the designated location would prevent the exposed employees from promptly receiving emergency help should a hazardous condition present itself thus exposing them to an explosion hazard. One feasible means of abatement would be to implicitly follow the already established and accepted Work Orders, Job Plans and Safety Policy Manuals. These documents give adequate instruction of how to mitigate these hazards and to ensure a safe work place.