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: Employees were exposed to the hazard of death due to lack of oxygen and/or overexposure to carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide, in that they were required to enter a confined space, the dust collector for the cupola, without following a proper confined space entry procedure. Entry into the confined space was made on April 7, 1988 while the coke bed was simmering and without monitoring the air in the space for oxygen, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide prior to entry and during work in the space; without proper respirators; and without a proper rescue procedure. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement a comprehensive written confined space entry program such as that stipulated by ANSI Z117.1-1977 Sections 3, 4 and 5, Safety Requirements for Working inTanks and Other Confined Spaces, that will establish management controls over the work being performed and shall contain, but not necessarily be limited to, the following elements: 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 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. 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. If entry is required for a 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.