UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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 workers were exposed to hazards associated with working in confined spaces, such as sewer and vault manholes approximately 15 foot deep: (a)Hartland jobsite: A confined space permit was not completed prior to a worker entering a Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS) manhole approximately 15 feet deep; the employer's written confined space program did not distinguish between Non-Permit Confined Spaces (NPCS) and Permit Required Confined Spaces (PRCS); (b) Hartland jobsite: Atmospheric testing was not conducted prior to a worker entering a PRCS manhole approximately 15 feet deep; the employer's program did not consider the potential for changing atmospheric conditions in PRCS confined spaces; (c) Hartland jobsite: Ventilation or other protective measures were not taken prior to a worker entering a PRCS manhole approximately 15 feet deep; the employer's program included no provisions for ventilating a PRCS; (d) Hartland jobsite: Emergency procedures were not in place for PRCS entry including means of providing timely rescue for entering employee(s). Certification, and documentation/evidence of abatement is required. Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be submitted within ten (10) calendar days after the abatement date.