Text For Citation: 02 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: a) Where an inoperable fluid level gauge necessitated that employees manually gauge the level of the liquid in Unit Number 391 fracturing tank, the absence of implemented procedures and training for entering and working or effecting a rescue in a confine space exposed workers to an oxygen deficient atmosphere and acid fumes. This condition existed on or about June 2, 1992. Procedures for confine space entry should include the following at a minimum: 1. Establishment of a permit system whereby a qualified, competent individual identifies all conditions which must be evaluated to ensure safe entry. The permit system shall include management "sign-off". 2. Testing of the atmosphere prior to entry and while working in a confine space to ensure adequate oxygen content and absence of toxic or flammable gases or vapors. 3. Training of employees in all health and safety hazards associated with confine spaces and appropriate rescue procedures. 4. Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of safety equipment such as but not limited to self-contained breathing apparatuses, communication equipment, lifelines and harnesses. 5. Utilization of ventilation equipment to provide a safe atmosphere to enter and work in a confine space. 6. Posting of clearly visible warning labels at all manways and/or installation of tamper proof barriers at all openings. Abatement Note: Feasible methods of abating this hazard, among others would be: 1. Implementing a complete confined space entry program as listed above. 2. Provide a mechanical/automatic method of gauging the liquid inside the fracturing tank. 3. Render the fracturing tanks completely inaccessible (e.g. by welding a barrier over all hatchways).