Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 007 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(6)(i): Employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces were not instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required: Location: The Boschertown Sanitary Sewer Project at or near 3400 N. Hwy 94, St. Charles, MO 63301. On or about Aug. 27 and 28, 2012, the employer did not ensure workers were adequately trained to identify and recognize hazards associated with valve vault manholes and a dry well valve vault. A worker was exposed to a hazardous atmosphere when assigned the task of cleaning and coating piping/valves in confined spaces using solvents and solvent containing coatings. The employer failed to provide adequate training to the employee in the following instances: (1) Employee was not instructed or trained to recognize and avoid potential atmospheric hazards associated with permit-required confined spaces. (2) Employee was not provided instruction on the need for atmospheric testing, how to operate sampling equipment, how to conduct atmospheric testing, and the need to document test results. (3) Employee was not instructed on the need for ventilation equipment when exposed to a toxic atmosphere and how to properly use such equipment. (4) Employee was not provided instruction on the need for a continuous attendant along with the need for continuous communication between the entrant and attendant. (5) Employee was not provided instruction on the need for and how to complete the employer's confined space permit. (6) Employee was not trained in emergency response procedures, the necessity for retrieval equipment, and how to properly use such equipment. The worker died from acute methyl ethyl ketone toxicity.