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: a) The hazards of confined space entry which would result in death during painting operations requiring entry into the compartments of the 200 ton heavy duty well car. Employees were working in the compartments spray painting epoxy primer yet an effective confined space entry program had not been implemented. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is the development and implementation of an adequate confined space entry program as specified in ANSI standard Z117.1. Elements of a confined space entry program include, but are not limited to: 1) Written procedures covering a permit system, ventilation, atmospheric testing, rescue procedures, and employee training. 2) The completion and posting of a confined space 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 that necessary protective measures have been taken to ensure the safety of each worker. 3) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation sufficient enough to provide a safe atmosphere when determined necessary as described in (2) above. 4) Testing the atmosphere of the confined space 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 of 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 confined space 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 life lines with provisions for pulling employee(s) from the confined space. If entry is required for rescue, the rescuing employee(s) must be equipped with approved air supplied respiratory equipment and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 6) Training of all employees required to enter the confined space and all employees required to standby for rescue. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry, procedures required during occupation of the confined space, procedures for safe rescue of employees in the confined space and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces.