Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: ...the hazard of asphyxiation or illness. The employer did not provide employees involved in bin entry of fertilizer and grain bins an adequate bin entry procedure to protect them from possible oxygen deficient atmospheres and from being buried while cleaning bins or unclogging bridges in the material. One feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to correct this hazard is to institute a formal bin entry program. A minimally acceptable bin entry procedure consists of the following elements: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures and employee training. 2) The completion and posting of a bin entry permit which requires authorization and approval in writing that specifies the location and type of work to be done and certifies that all existing and potential hazards have been evaluated by a qualified person and necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3) Mechanical ventilation of the bin prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 4) Testing the atmosphere of the bin prior to entry and on a regular basis for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases or vapors when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 5) Emergency rescue procedures with a requirement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside the bin with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space as determined necessary as described in (2) above. Such equipment must include safety harness and lifelines with provisions for hoisting employees from the confined space. If entry is required for rescue the rescuing employee must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 6) Training of any and all employees required to enter the bins. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazards the observer and employee entering the bin. 7) Communications (visual, voice or signal line) shall be maintained between the observer and employee entering the bin. DISCLAIMERS: 1) You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3) The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an appropriate abatement method.