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

29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1): Testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components thereof. In situations in which lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed from the energy isolating device and the machine or equipment energized to test or position the machine, equipment or component thereof, the employer did not ensure the following sequence of actions were followed: - Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section; - Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section; - Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section; - Energize and proceed with testing or positioning; - Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section to continue the servicing and/or maintenance. On or about January 11, 2023, an employee entered a vertical heat treating vessel, a permit-required confined space, to perform a quality assurance test. The employee was lifted into the vessel by raising the head of the furnace. The employer failed to ensure the proper lockout or tagout procedures were being during the quality assurance test. Employees were exposed to entrapment, asphyxiation, and burning hazards. Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).