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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: a.The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that were causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees. Employees were exposed to potential hazards found in sewer lines due to the lack of a confined space entry procedure. Employees were required to enter new and existing sewer lines through manholes without prior characterization of the environment for safety and health hazards. Hazards which could potentially exist include exposure to explosive and/or toxic atmospheres, oxygen deficiencies, and physical hazards due to the configuration of the space. Among other methods, one feasible means of correction would be to develop and implement a permit required confined space entry program. A document published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), published as ANSI Z117.1-1995, and, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.146, "Permit- required Confined Spaces", are examples of references which could be consulted to establish a program.h