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 hazards associated with working in a confined space: a) On or about June 20, 2007, at the above located worksite, employees entered an underground water meter vault, a Permit Required Confined Space (PRCS), approximately 11 feet deep, without the benefit of safe entry procedures in that: 1) A confined space permit was not completed prior to workers entering a Permit Required Confined Space; 2) The employer did not implement a written confined space program; 3) Atmospheric testing was not conducted prior to workers entering a PRCS; 4) Ventilation or other protective measures were not taken prior to workers entering a PRCS; 5) Emergency procedures were not in place for PRCS entry including means of providing timely rescue for entering employee(s). Among other methods, one feasible means of abatement would be to comply with American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z117.1-2003 Safety Requirements for Confined Space. Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be submitted within ten (10) days after the abatement date.