Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 002 Hazard: ELECTRIC

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 potentially exposed to working conditions and recognized hazards of being overcome by toxic gas, including carbon monoxide while performing maintenance and repairs of Boston Edison electrical lines and cables in manholes: a) Manhole 18809 (corner of Diamond and Stone Sts, Station 26 Walpole, MA): 1) In which on August 18, 1989 employees utilized an explosimeter solely to verify atmospheric conditions prior to entering manhole to cut four cables; 2) August 15, 1989, employee utilised a MSA combustible gas tester and had a blower for forced ventilation on site midday. Entry into manholes was made at midnight and at 3:30 am on 8/16/89 to phase the two sets of cables and check voltages. No atmospheric tests were made immediately prior to entry; 3) On August 16, 1989, combustible gas levels and oxygen levels were measured at 10:00 am. No measurements were taken for toxic contaminants. No measurements were taken immediately prior to entries at noon and 2:00 pm for the purpose of voltage checks. 4) On August 17, 1989, combustible gas levels and oxygen concentrations were determined prior to entering manhole for the purpose of obtaining dimensions of manholes post explosion. b) Manhole 18810 (Stone St, Station, 26 Walpole, MA): In which on August 12, 1989 employee entered manhole to check cables and apply epoxy patch to damaged sheath. Explosive gas levels, solely, were checked with a MSA combustible gas tester. On all entries no permits were established stating the atmospheric conditions or tests performed of the manholes nor was there present appropriate personal protective equipment i.e., retrieval lines. At their work level, employees are subject to the hazard of being overcome by toxic gases, including the recognized hazardous gas carbon monoxide. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to adequately test for toxic gases like carbon monoxide and establish, train, and enforce an adequate entry procedure such as that stipulated by NIOSH Criteria Document/Publication No. 80-106.