[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 27, Volume 7]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1917.73]

[Page 218]
 
                             TITLE 29--LABOR
 
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT 
                          OF LABOR (CONTINUED)
 
PART 1917--MARINE TERMINALS--Table of Contents
 
                    Subpart D--Specialized Terminals
 
Sec. 1917.73  Terminal facilities handling menhaden and similar species of fish (see also Sec. 1917.2, definition of hazardous cargo, material, substance or 
          atmosphere).

    (a)(1) Tanks in terminal areas used for receiving or storing 
bailwater for recirculating into vessel holds in discharging operations 
shall be opened or ventilated to minimize contamination of water 
circulated to the vessel. Bailwater tanks shall be thoroughly drained 
upon completion of each day's operations and shall be left open to the 
air. Drainage is unnecessary when bailwater has been treated to remove 
hydrogen sulfide-producing contaminants and the efficiency of such 
treatment has been established by the employer.
    (2) Before employees enter a dock tank, it shall first be drained, 
rinsed and tested for hydrogen sulfide and oxygen deficiency. Employees 
shall not enter the tank when the hydrogen sulfide level exceeds 20 ppm 
or oxygen content is less than 19.5 percent, except in emergencies.
    (3) Tests shall be conducted by designated personnel with suitable 
test equipment and respiratory protective equipment complying with the 
provisions of Sec. 1910.134 of this chapter.
    (b) Pipelines and hoses on the dock or terminal used for receiving 
and circulating used bailwater shall be completely drained upon 
completion of each day's operation and left open to the air.
    (c) At least four units of respiratory protective equipment 
consisting of supplied-air respirators or self-contained breathing 
apparatus complying with the requirements of Sec. 1910.134 of this 
chapter shall be available in a suitably labeled cabinet for immediate 
use in case of emergency caused by oxygen deficiency or hydrogen 
sulfide. Any employee entering a tank in an emergency shall, in addition 
to respiratory protective equipment, wear a lifeline and safety harness 
to facilitate rescue. At least two other employees, similarly equipped, 
shall be continuously stationed outside the tank to observe and to 
provide rescue services.
    (d) The plant superintendent and foremen shall be trained and 
knowledgeable about the hazards of hydrogen sulfide and oxygen 
deficiency. They shall be trained in the use of appropriate respiratory 
and other protective equipment, and in rescue procedures. Other 
supervisory plant personnel shall be informed of these hazards and 
instructed in the necessary safety measures, including use of 
respiratory and rescue equipment.
    (e) Supervisory personnel shall be on hand at dockside to supervise 
discharging of bailwater from vessels.

[48 FR 30909, July 5, 1983, as amended at 65 FR 40940, June 30, 2000]