Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 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 incomplete confined space entry procedures were not utilized to adequately protect employees: (a) Kendall/Amalie - Witco Corporation; maintenance and vacuum truck operators were exposed to possible excessive concentrations of gasoline, naptha, ethylene glycol and possible oxygen deficient atmospheres while inside holding tanks and process vessels. Inadequate procedures included, but were not limited to: 1. No periodic monitoring inside the confined space to ensure adequate oxygen content and absence of toxic, flammable gases and vapors. 2. No continuous utilization of ventilation equipment to ensure a safe atmosphere prior to entry and while work was in progress. 3. No consistent usage of safety equipment such as, but not limited to, self-contained breathing apparatus, communication equipment to supplement constant visual communication, lifelines and harnesses. 4. No usage of additional lighting inside confined spaces. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard include: A. Periodic air monitoring throughout work shift for oxygen deficiency, lower explosion limits, and toxic vapors from welding fumes, MEK, toluene and other chemicals. B. Continuous use of mechanical ventilation throughout the CSE work. C. Stand-by man shall have available self-contained breathing apparatus, lifelines and harness. D. Employees entering confined space shall use lifelines and harnesses in all CSE work. E. Additional verification demonstrating that natural lighting has adequate and safe amount of foot candles.