Text For Citation: 01 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 recognized hazards of asphyxiation/suffocation and chemical exposure when required to enter into confined spaces while performing work without proper evaluation of the space: a)Geofon Incorporated, Camp Pendleton, Gas Station, Manhole to diesel tank next to building 22141: An employee was observed inside the sub area (riser) of a diesel tank to attach monitoring equipment for a diesel leak in the system (space dimension 3 feet wide by 3 to 4 feet deep). Helium was injected into the diesel system to determine the leak. The confined space the employee entered had not been evaluated to determine whether the space was a permit required confined space. Geofon is a remediation and underground storage tank removal company who conduct tasks of this sort frequently. A warning sign was also posted on the entrance of the space informing possible occupants of the hazards inside the space that could lead to serious injury and or death. Among other methods, recognized and feasible means of abatement to correct the hazard include, but are not limited to: Full implementation of the elements required by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), standard Z117.1 (Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces). On 09/05/03, and at times prior thereto.,