Text For Citation: 03 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 working in a confined space without a formal procedures for entry, i.e. atmospheric testing and rescue practices. Maintenance personnel are required to enter sewer ejector pits, which contain raw sewage, for cleaning purposes. The sewerage contains microbas with consume oxygen, generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydroden sulfide. Location: Sewer injection pits for Main Building, Building Sand West extension in Old Syntex Room. One feasible and acceptable method, among others to correct this hazard is to adopt and enforce a program containing the following elements: 1) Conduct testing for oxygen deficiency, flammability and hydrogen sulfide prior to entrance and while in the confined space. 2) Use of non-apark producing equipment. 3) Provide rescue equipment and practices. 4) Training on recognition of hazards in a confined space.