Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 009 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(ii): When designating rescue and emergency services pursuant to paragraph (d)(9), the employer did not evaluate the prospective rescuer's ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from the particular space or types of spaces identified: (a) On or about May 29, 2024, at 18317 Highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO: The employer did not protect employees from hazards associated with confined-space entry in that, the employer did not evaluate local fire departments rescue ability and proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment involving rescue from the lower pump house. Multiple employees entered the lower pump house and were over-exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas and the employer relied on two local fire departments to provide rescue for employees. The volunteer fire departments called to provide assistance were not equipped to reach victim(s) within a time frame that was appropriate for exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas, prepared or proficient in performing the rescue. This condition exposed employees to hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide gas.