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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occuaptional 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: On and prior to 12/4/92, employees working at Ohio Water Service Co., site located in Mentor, Ohio, were on and in a metal water storage tank blasting off old paint with silica sand and painting with flammable paint also having the potential for toxicity and/or oxygen deficiency. Employees were required to enter into this confined space without an effective confined space entry program, subjecting them to injury and/or death from possible oxygen deficiency, toxicity and/or burns. One feasible and acceptable method of abatement, among others to correct this hazard would be to have and implement a written procedure covering at a minumum, the following items: (1) 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. (2) Mechanical ventilation of the confined space prior to entry and continued ventilation to provide a safe atmosphere, when determined necessary as described in (1) above. (3) 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 or vapors, when determined necessary as described in (2) above. (4) 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 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. (5) Procedures for training of all employees required to enter into the confined spaces to assure their safety.