Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 Hazard:

29 CFR 1915.12(c)(1)(ii): The employer did not ensure that spaces or adjacent spaces that contain or have contained liquids, gases, or solids that were toxic, corrosive or irritant were tested by a competent person to determine the air concentration of toxics, corrosives, or irritants within the space prior to initial entry by an employee. a) Barge 141: On or about May 5, 2023 and at times prior thereto, employees entered a confined space and succumbed to respiratory hazards getting light headed and had to self rescue, the employer did not determine exposure level of potential respiratory hazards prior to entry. PID samples were taken; however, no conversion factor was calculated or estimated for any PID readings. b) Seward ship repair yard: On or about May 5, 2023 and at times prior thereto, the employer had not conducted any air sampling or exposure assessments for employees conducting welding and other work inside confined spaces exposing employees to respiratory hazards.