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 entering a neutralization chamber and at least 2 manholes: On or before 11/14/91, employees entered a neutralization chamber (pit) and 2 downstream manholes to perform maintenance and repair on PH monitoring equipment. The employer failed to execute a confined space entry program which included appropriate testing of the atmosphere, identifying, selecting, and using appropriate personal protective equipment, rescue procedures, and employee training. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is the establishment of a confined space entry program. One feasible and acceptable program, among others, to correct this hazard would be the following: (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 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 to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. (4) Testing the atmosphere of the confiend 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 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 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 hositing 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 confined spaces. This training shall include procedures required prior to entry and the hazards associated with work in confined spaces. NOTE: The company had a confined space entry procedure dated 1/20/88 in their possession, but did not follow the procedures. This procedure should be reviewed, updated, and implemented.