Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CONFINED

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or in the alternate, 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(ii): On or about 2/27/92, 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 death from asphyxiation: 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(ii): The written hazard communication program did not include the methods that will be used to inform employees of the hazards of nonroutine tasks, (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas: a- Employee was required to enter dust collector, a confined space, to inspect the interior and to perform maintenance work. The employer did not establish a confined space entry permit program to ensure that entrants are protected from confined space hazards. Building 17C (Filter Powder Department) - Hazards associated with entering dust collector(s) were not addressed in the written hazard communication program. On 2/27/92, an employee climbed into the dust collector associated with furnance #10 and was overcome by carbon monoxide levels immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). Among other methods, a feasible and accetpable abatement method to correct the hazard is to develop and follow standard procedures for safe confined space entry, including but not limited to: 1- Determine which spaces to be entered by employees are permit confined spaces and establish an entrypermit program to ensure that entrants are protected from permit space hazards. 2- Identify and evaulate each hazard of the permit spaces, including determination of severity. 3- Establish and implement the means, procedures and practives by which the permit spaces can be entered safely. 4- Establish a written permit system for the proper preparation, issuance and implementation of entry permits. 5- Post signs near permit spaces to notify employees what hazards may be present and that only authorized entrants may enter the permit spaces. 6- Prevent unauthorized employee entry through such measures as training or by posting signs and barriers, as necessary. 7- Train employees in confined apce procedures so that attendants, authorized entrants and personnel authorizingg or in charge of entry can work safely in and around the permit space. 8- Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing, monitoring, communication and personal protective equipment. 9- Ensure that the procedures and equipment necessary to rescue entrants from permit spaces are implemented and provided.