Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 005 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(i): Under the permit space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not evaluate permit space conditions when entry operations were conducted by testing conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions existed before entry was authorized to begin: (a) On October 10, 2019, Northwestern University did not test atmospheric conditions in steam vault 13 for the potential atmospheric hazards identified by the employer (such as oxygen deficiency, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide) prior to separate entries by a Northwestern University employee for (1) the observation of a steam leak and the evaluation of valve configuration and (2) the actuation (closure) of a valve. (b) On October 10, 2019, Northwestern University did not test atmospheric conditions in steam vault 15 for the potential atmospheric hazards identified by the employer (such as oxygen deficiency, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide) prior to an entry by a Northwestern University employee for the actuation (closure) of a valve. In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.