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 hazard of atmospheric contamination by toxic or falmmable vapors, or oxygen deficiency, during entry or while working in a confined space: a) The employer did not have a written confined space procedure where employees were allowed to enter manholes at a pump station under construction to remove mud which had seeped in, where no testing had been done to determine the presence of atmospheric contamination and/or oxygen deficiency, on or about February 8, 1993. The manhole measured approximately 12 feet deep and 4 feet in diameter accessed via portable ladder through a 22 inch opening. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a confined space entry program which includes, but is not limited to, the following items: 1. Instruction and training as to the nature of the hazards involved and the necessary precautions to be taken relative to the confined space entry, rescue and first-aid procedures. 2. Use of atmospheric testing procedures to determine the presence of hazardous air contaminants, potential oxygen deficiency and flammable/explosive atmosphere prior to and during entry to the pump station (confined spaces) and as needed prior to re-entry. 3. Provide, maintain and ensure the proper use of the equipment necessary for safe entry, including testing, monitoring, communication and personal protective equipment. 4. Provisions and procedures for standby observer located outside the confined space and readily available emergency standby equipment consisting of a safety line and harness arrangement and a self-contained breathing apparatus certified by NIOSH.