Or. Admin. R. 437-004-1260

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 437-004-1260 - Manure Lagoons, Storage Ponds, Vats, Pits and Separators

(1) Scope. This applies to facilities not covered by confined space rules. (Examples include pole buildings used to store compost material or manure lagoons and separators.)

(2) General.

(a) Do not enter any vat, pit, separator or other hazardous area where the atmosphere may be immediately dangerous to life unless:

(A) Tests by a competent person, immediately before entry, prove it free of toxic gases and with enough oxygen to sustain life; or

(B) Mechanical or natural ventilation provides at least one complete change of uncontaminated air immediately before entry and continues during enclosure occupancy; or

(C) The person entering the area is using a properly functioning supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus, and is closely supervised by a safety watcher with similar equipment, at the entrance. They must have adequate help to remove the person if necessary.

(b) Vats and pits that have hazardous materials, manure or that are more than 4' deep, must meet one of the following requirements:

(A) A cover or grating must be in place and strong enough to safely support imposed loads; or

(B) The edges must extend at least 42 inches above the adjacent floor level; or

(C) There is a standard guardrail.

(D) Where vehicles operate near vats or pits the railing must be strong enough to keep them out, or there must be a curb or shear rail that keeps the vehicle out.

(c) Manure lagoons or earthen manure storage ponds must have:

(A) Curbs, shear rails or other barriers where vehicles or equipment operate near enough to drive or roll into the lagoon.

(B) Standard guardrails or other protection where employees work over the contents or near enough to the edge to fall into the lagoon.

(C) Cables or chains that connect a vehicle to an adequate anchorage and are short enough to prevent the vehicle from rolling into the lagoon are acceptable.

Or. Admin. R. 437-004-1260

OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & ORS 656.726(3)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - ORS 654.295