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

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: a) On or about March 3, 1989, employees were required to enter a confined space (East 2 Sand Storage Bin) located in the Moldmaster Area and did not take the necessary precautions before entering and while working in bin. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement method tocorrect this hazard would be to follow ANSI Z241.1-1981 5.3.1.1 and the following: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 1) Require employees to obtain written authorization, signed by at least one supervisor prior to confined space entry (confined space entry permit). The permit must indicate special precautions and time period for which it is valid. 2) Lockout, blocking or equivalent of all mechanical, electrical, liquid and gas systems relating to the confined space that may create a hazard during entry should these systems be put in motion or otherwise activated. 3) Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry into the confined space on a regular basis during occupancy for presence of sufficient oxygen (19.5%) and absence of hazardous levels of toxic or combustible gases (maximum 19% LEL). When toxic substances are present for which not equipment to test the atmosphere is available, the employee shall be permitted to enter the confined space only with the use of air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 4) Establish a tag-out system to mark the confined space unsafe for entry should tests indicate the space is unsafe for entry. Marking is to remain in place until tests indicate entry is safe. 5) Mechanical ventilgation of the confied space prior to entry and continued ventilation during entry to assure a safe atmosphere. 6) Written emergency rescue procedures with a requrement that trained personnel are available and are stationed outside of the confined space with proper equipment to provide for the rescue of persons entering the space. 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. 7) The confined space entry procedures shall be written and the responsible employees shall be trained in all aspects of the procedures.